F1 2020 Belgian Grand Prix

© J. Francois Barnard – August 30, 2020

The Formula 1 Rolex Belgian Grand Prix 2020 was held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot, Belgium, on August 26, 2020.

The practise sessions were relatively uneventful, with Bottas fastest ahead of Hamilton and Verstappen. The Haas drivers were, however, unable to partake in the first practise as their cars' power units had issues. In the second session, Verstappen was the fastest, followed by Ricciardo and Hamilton. Ricciardo however, suffered a hydraulics issue, and the session was red-flagged. The final practice session saw Hamilton going fastest, and Ocon's Renault and Norris's McLaren came in second and third. Ferrari, last year's winning team at the Belgium Grand Prix, struggled in the final practice session with Leclerc in 17th and Vettel last.

Hamilton took pole position 0.511 seconds ahead of Bottas, and Verstappen 0.015 seconds behind Bottas. Renault is showing some pace, and Daniel Ricciardo finished fourth.

Remember that Ricciardo and Renault Racing's boss have a bet on that Abiteboul has to get a tattoo of Ricciardo's choosing should the latter finish on the podium in 2020. It seems as if that day is getting closer!

On race day, Carlos Sainz's McLaren had a power unit issue, and he was unable to start the race. The start of the race was closely contested but clean. On lap 10, Giovinazzi lost control of this car and went straight into the wall. One wheel detached and hit the front suspension of Russell's Williams. Both drivers were forced to retire from the race while a safety car came out to have the wrecks and debris removed.

Picture credit: Motorsport.com

After the safety car, the race restarted with the top six drivers as Hamilton, Bottas, Verstappen, Gasly, Pérez, and Ricciardo. Hamilton won the race, having led every lap of the race. Bottas was second and Verstappen third.

Race classification: