Five Takeaways from the Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix delivered a dramatic and controversial race, with unexpected results and performances that have reshaped the championship battle. Original rave winner George Russell appeared to pull off a masterclass by conserving his tyres only stopping once, holding off the late attack from Lewis Hamilton. Alas it wasn’t to be as post race Russell was DSQ due to his car coming in under the regulated weight. We bring you five takeaways from the Belgian Grand Prix.

Five Takeaways From The Belgian Grand Prix

1. Hamilton’s Resurgence: A Silver Lining in the Clouds

Lewis Hamilton’s promotion to race winner after his teammate George Russell’s disqualification was a bittersweet victory. While the circumstances were far from ideal, it’s impossible to ignore the underlying performance of the seven-time champion. Hamilton qualified in a strong third position and showcased excellent pace throughout the race.  

This win, coupled with his recent win at Silverstone, suggests that Hamilton might be rediscovering his championship-winning form. If he can maintain this level of performance, it could ignite a thrilling battle in the second half of the season.

2. Oscar Piastri: Mr Consistent

Oscar Piastri’s second-place finish in Belgium further solidifies his status as one of the most promising young talents in Formula One. His consistency is remarkable, with a race win and two second-place finishes in his last four races. The Australian has shown maturity beyond his years, managing race pace, tire management, and overtaking with confidence.

McLaren has unearthed a gem in Piastri, and if they can provide him with a competitive car, he could be a serious championship contender in the coming seasons. His performances are reminiscent of a young Lewis Hamilton, and it’s exciting to contemplate the heights he can reach.

3. Williams’ Strategic Blunder: A Costly Mistake

Williams had a golden opportunity to capitalize on the chaotic weekend at Spa, but a strategic blunder cost Alex Albon dearly. The team’s lack of decisive decision’s regarding the correct tyres for Albon proved to be a miscalculation, leaving him out of position and unable to recover.

This error is a significant setback for Williams, as Albon had shown strong pace throughout the weekend. The team will need to conduct a thorough analysis of their strategy to prevent similar mistakes in the future. Albon’s talent is undeniable, but without the right support from the team, his potential might be wasted.

4. Verstappen’s Minor victory: A Warning Shot

Max Verstappen’s scored a minor victory in Belgium, despite starting from 10th on the grid, he managed to hold off a charging Lando Norris for a large chunk of the race, the Brit found himself withing DRS of the Championship leader following the second stop but failed to land the overtake, it was a reminder of his immense talent and the dominance of the Red Bull car. His ability to overtake multiple cars and control his tyres is unparalleled.  

It’s a clear warning to his rivals that they have a mountain to climb if they want to challenge for the championship.

5. Perez’s Struggle Continues: A Growing Concern

Sergio Perez’s disappointing performance in Belgium is becoming a recurring theme. Starting second, he was unable to match the pace of Verstappen and was overtaken by multiple cars. His inconsistent form is a growing concern for Red Bull, as they need a strong second driver to challenge for the constructors’ championship.

If Perez continues to underperform, Red Bull might be forced to consider alternative options for the 2025 season. The pressure is mounting on the Mexican driver to deliver consistent results.

What’s Next?

The Belgian Grand Prix has set the stage for an exciting second half of the season. The championship battle between Verstappen and Norris is beginning to fizzle out with it being Verstappen’s to lose, while the fight for the constructor championship is intensifying. McLaren, with Piastri leading the charge in recent races, is a force to be reckoned with. Williams will be eager to redeem themselves, and Perez will be under immense pressure to improve his performance.

The upcoming races will be crucial for determining the championship contenders. Can Hamilton sustain his resurgence? Can Piastri continue his impressive form? Can Verstappen regain his dominance? These questions will be answered in the coming months.

The second half of the season promises to be a thrilling spectacle, in what has been the most competitive season in a number of years, with plenty of twists and turns to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Did we miss anything in our five takeaways from the Belgian Grand Prix?.