Hamilton crowned race winner after Russell gets disqualified

Mercedes had a perfect day at the Belgian Grand Prix, earning a one-two finish, with George Russell winning the race and Lewis Hamilton, who was awarded as the fastest driver of the race, following closely at his tail. 

However, hours after the race, it was discovered that Russell’s car was over a kilogram less than the required minimum weight, and he was disqualified, with Hamilton being named the winner of the race.

This marked Hamilton’s second win of the season and also Mercedes’ third. Russell’s disqualification aside, Sunday’s race was further evidence of the amount of work the German team has been putting in recently, which has resulted in their best season in three years. McLaren also made an appearance on the podium after Oscar Piastri, who originally finished third, was promoted to second as a result of Hamilton’s upgrade. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc’s fourth-place finish was changed to third.

Russell’s car failed to meet the minimum 798kg requirement, weighing only 796.5kg after all the fuel had been drained out, an error the team took full responsibility for. Mercedes team boss, Toto Wolff, faulted Russell’s one-stop strategy, which meant his tyres were more worn out than others on the track, potentially contributing to his car weighing less. He, however, apologized to Russell after the ruling by the stewards.

The one-stop strategy meant Russell only took one stop throughout the race. While it was a risky move, it allowed Russell, who started sixth on the grid, to finish in first place amidst a very competitive lineup. By the time the race was nearing its end, it became impossible to overtake Russell, leading to Hamilton settling for a second-place finish.

Reacting to his disqualification, Russell expressed his disappointment, describing it as “heartbreaking,” while adding, “we left it all on the track today, and I take pride in crossing the line first,” as he promised, “there will be more to come.”