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Formula One 2026: Belgian Grand Prix – live

Leclerc Dominates as Hamilton Faces Penalties in Belgian Grand Prix Drama

The Guardian Sport•
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AI Summary

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps unfolded with intense drama and pivotal moments that shaped the race.

Lap 25 of 44 saw a notable incident involving Lewis Hamilton and a mechanic, where a late call on adjusting Hamilton's front wing led to an unsafe release. Hamilton expressed his dissatisfaction over the radio, stating he lacked balance due to the incomplete setup change.

Lap 24 marked the retirement of Sergio Perez due to a rear spring issue, joining George Russell on the sidelines. Up front, Charles Leclerc surged ahead, maintaining a 1.3-second lead over Lando Norris, who was closely followed by Kimi Antonelli.

On Lap 21, a Virtual Safety Car allowed Ferrari to execute a quick pit stop, promoting Leclerc to the lead, while Hamilton faced a five-second penalty for a previous collision with Russell. This compounded his frustrations, as he lamented on the radio, “Another one…”

Throughout the race, Leclerc demonstrated exceptional pace, overtaking Norris easily on Lap 23. Max Verstappen, who initially struggled, managed to pit successfully, but the race saw him dropping behind after a strong start.

The opening lap featured dramatic moments, including a collision between Hamilton and Russell, resulting in Russell's early retirement. As the race progressed, the tension remained high, with teams strategizing under changing conditions, including light rain.

As the championship race tightens, Leclerc's performance reaffirms Ferrari's resurgence, while Hamilton's penalties raise questions about Mercedes' strategy. The Belgian Grand Prix not only showcased thrilling racing but also set the stage for an electrifying season ahead.

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