WEIGHT JUST A MINUTE THERE
It is ecstacy to agony for Russell as victory goes to team-mate Hamilton following disqualification
A TINY measurement had huge consequences for Mercedes’ two drivers here yesterday.
For Lewis Hamilton, a 105th career victory – his second this month after ending a 945-day wait for a win at Silverstone three weeks ago.
But it came at the expense of his team-mate George Russell, who had driven so masterfully in the warm Belgian sunshine.
Eyebrows were raised when he suggested switching to a one-stop strategy over the radio during the race. After all, the Spa circuit had been chewing up tyres all weekend – but he correctly sensed that degradation was a lot lower than expected despite the warmer temperatures.
Hamilton (celebrating, left) looked like he would roar past at the end on fresher tyres but, after several laps of duelling, Russell was still leading when the chequered flag flew. Mercedes had, on merit, secured a one-two finish, but, as the FIA checked the cars, it became abundantly clear there was a problem.
The scales had Russell’s car measuring 796.5kg – 1.5kg under the minimum.
And his fate was sealed the moment that number was written down – failing to abide by technical rules means an instant disqualification.
After crossing the finish line, Russell screamed in delight over the radio.
He packed up his car, climbed out, and punched the air before hugging Mercedes colleagues and taking to the podium to collect the winner’s trophy, wreathed in smiles
But all that jubilation and celebration was for nothing – and the trophy will be going into Hamilton’s massive cabinet rather than Russell’s, which still has only two F1 bangles.
The message coming out of Mercedes, though, despite the obvious disappointment, was one of huge optimism after dominating a race they hadn’t expected to win.
“Whilst I’m incredibly disappointed, I know we will bounce back stronger after the summer break, starting in Zandvoort,” said Russell, as he smiled through the pain.
Hamilton and team boss Toto Wolff were also keen to focus on the positives. The latter pointed out: “We have two cars that were the benchmark in this race, with two different strategies.
“We wouldn’t have said that a few months ago.”
Oscar Piastri rose to second place after Russell’s disqualification, while Charles Leclerc inherited the third spot on the podium.
Max Verstappen was promoted to fourth – he started the race 11th with an engine penalty – having got the better of Lando Norris, who had another awful start.
But perhaps not even Russell will be feeling as bad as Sergio Perez is right now. This weekend was seen as make-or-break for his Red Bull career and hopes were high after he qualified second on the grid.
But he fell backwards in the race and limped home to just eighth, more than 30 seconds down the road from Dutch star Verstappen.
Daniel Ricciardo was only 12 seconds behind him in the weaker RB car, and could take Perez’s place by the end of the summer break.
The fact the Aussie couldn’t take the smile off his face after the race probably said it all.