To observe Max Verstappen, it would seem almost easy to win a Formula 1 Grand Prix, even from a long start on the grid. Fourteenth at the start, the Dutchman made short work of the drivers who separated him from first place, to win in Belgium, Sunday August 28, ahead of his teammate Sergio Perez and the Ferrari of Carlos Sainz.
His Red Bull gives him wings. Having already shown excellent pace throughout the weekend, setting the fastest time in qualifying, Max Verstappen again gave an impression of great ease at Spa. No pole position due to an engine change penalty? Not a problem for the Dutchman. Already up to third place after eight laps, the reigning world champion took control of the race after Carlos Sainz’s first pit stop, and overtaking his teammate Sergio Perez on lap eleven. Before then flying off to complete the Grand Prix with a comfortable lead of 18 seconds.
“I had a very hot first lap with clashes in front of me, then everything went well. The tires worked well, I was able to do long stints and that allowed me to come back up.”commented the Dutchman after the race.
Charles Leclerc loses his second place in the world championship
Victorious for the ninth time this season, Max Verstappen consolidates his lead in the world championship, with 93 points ahead of his new runner-up, his teammate Sergio Perez. The Mexican overtakes Charles Leclerc, who had a complicated Sunday. Starting fifteenth due to a penalty for changing the engine, the Ferrari driver experienced tire problems in the first laps of the race and then lacked pace. A five-second penalty, for speeding in the pit lane, finally demoted him to sixth place.
“I don’t focus so much on the championship, Red Bull were on another planet today. We first have to understand what is happening because we are much too slow,” he reacted, disillusioned, getting out of his single-seater.
The points scorers in Spa! ? #BelgianGP #F1 https://t.co/2Rbo01XFXK
Among the rest of the grid, Lewis Hamilton retired on the first lap after a collision with Fernando Alonso, in which the Briton was at fault, then the French Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished seventh and ninth respectively.