Belgian Grand Prix result: Kimi Antonelli wins to extend title lead after George Russell crashes out on first lap
Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli re-established his comfortable championship lead, which had been eroded in the last three races, with his victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, where his teammate George Russell crashed.
The Italian struggled through the delay caused by the virtual safety car period to catch and pass Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc to claim his sixth victory in 10 races this season.
Meanwhile, Russell crashed out of the race with Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap, dropping him to third place in the standings, 50 points behind Antonelli.
Hamilton regained second place in the championship and finished fourth, three points ahead of Russell.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took the last place on the podium.
The main stories of a surprisingly interesting race were:
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There was more bad luck for Russell as the gains he had made in recent races were wiped out within seconds of the start.
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Virtual safety car gives Leclerc an improbable shot at a second successive win
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VSC also affects Lando Norris, whose penalty left him 13th on the grid and preparing for the podium.
More to follow
