(Spa-Francorchamps) George Russell led Mercedes to a one-two finish with Lewis Hamilton at the Belgian Formula 1 Grand Prix with a daring one-stop strategy on Sunday.
Russell claimed his second win of the season and third of his career. The Briton managed the wear on his hard tyres well during a 44-lap stint as the other five contenders pitted twice.
An incredible result, I certainly didn’t predict that this morning. But the race was great and the tyres were just great. I kept saying: “I think we can do a one stop”.
George Russell
Hamilton finished ahead of Australian Oscar Piastri (McLaren), who triumphed in the Hungarian Grand Prix last week.
PHOTO JOHN THYS, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
From left to right: Lewis Hamilton, George Russell and Oscar Piastri on the podium
The leader in the drivers’ standings, Dutchman Max Verstappen crossed the finish line in fifth position, behind Monaco’s Charles Leclerc (Ferrari). He had to start from 11e position by virtue of a 10-place grid penalty due to a penalty for using an additional engine.
Briton Lando Norris (McLaren) had another poor start and took fifth place in the final standings of the event, allowing Verstappen to increase his lead to 78 points.
Quebecer Lance Stroll, who complained about his Aston Martin’s lack of top speed during the race, was one of the few drivers to opt for a one-stop strategy. It allowed him to convert his 15e place on the starting grid in 12e place in the final ranking of the event.
His teammate Fernando Alonso, who also opted for a single pit stop, finished ninth.
Russell did not appear to be a serious contender for victory after starting from sixth. But he convinced his team to forgo a second stop that would have relegated him to the back of the pack.
The decision turned out to be brilliant.
Russell was caught by Hamilton late in the race, with the seven-time world champion running on fresher tyres, but he defended his position until the chequered flag.
Check the race ranking
Check out the drivers’ championship standings