GP Belgium 2022

Max Verstappen unstoppable as he wins the Belgian Grand Prix!

The second half of the season kicked off at Spa-Francorchamps, a personal favourite amongst drivers and known for its high elevation changes and rich history within Formula One. Sunday began with the positive news for the legendary track: the confirmation that it will remain in the 2023 calendar.

The afternoon was filled with optimism, clear skies, and a starting grid that did not see a single driver beginning from where they qualified as a result of multiple power unit and gearbox changes.

Despite beginning from P14, it was evident early on that it was Verstappen’s race to lose. With strong straight-line speed and well-timed execution, Verstappen advanced to 8th place within the first lap. He proceeded to take the lead in 12, displaying a dominant performance and further cementing his lead in this year’s driver’s championship.

“The hardest bit was Lap 1 to stay out of trouble, because it was very hectic in front of me and I just really didn’t want to be involved, but yes, we came through quite well, then you know it calmed down with the Safety Car, and basically from there it was literally trying to overtake a car every lap. And once I realized I was third, I could see we can win this race.”

Adding to the Red Bull’s fantastic weekend was his teammate, Sergio Perez who crossed the chequered flag to finish P2, earning Red Bull another 1-2 finish for the season.

Pole sitter Carlos Sainz found himself with a P3 finish, achieving maximum points for what would be considered another challenging weekend for Ferrari.

Also doing his best at damage limitation for his team was George Russell, who gave a valiant effort nipping at the heels of Sainz. Unfortunately, a late turn error cost valuable time finishing just outside of the podium but with a well-deserved P4.

Alonso finished in P5, a strong outcome after battling for 2nd and clashing with Hamilton in the opening lap. The contact resulted in a brief airborne moment for Hamilton and an early retirement. “This guy only knows how to drive and start in first,” Alonso expressed in frustration shortly after.

It was another difficult weekend for Leclerc, beginning with an early pit stop due to car complications and ending with a pit stop gamble for fastest lap, one that cost the Ferrari driver a time penalty and a P6 result. Although still earning much needed points, it wasn’t enough to hold his position in the driver standings, and he slipped to 3rd behind Sergio Perez.

In what was a brilliant play, Ocon secured P7 by capitalizing on an opportunity to clear both Vettel and Gasly while they battled alongside each other.

This left both Vettel and Gasly fighting for P8, with Vettel coming out on top and Gasly finishing back in the points with a respectable P9.

Squeezing into the top 10, Alexander Albon secured the final point with Aston Martin’s Stroll narrowly behind in P11.

Although attempting to inject himself into the battle in front, Norris was unable to advance further, finishing with a close P12.

With a last minute overtake, Tsunoda secured P13 with Alfa Romeo’s Zhou in P14.

Finishing in 15th was Mclaren’s Daniel Ricciardo, followed by both Haas drivers with Kevin Magnussen finishing P16 and Mick Schumacher in P17.

Rounding out the results was Latifi in P18 after an earlier clash with Valtteri Bottas. Unfortunately Bottas, who turned 33 today, was forced to retire.

With back-to-back race weeks, Formula One heads to Max Verstappen’s home race, Circuit Zandvoort, for the Dutch Grand Prix!