Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen claimed his sixth win of the season in what proved to be a disappointing day for the fans of the sport as poor weather conditions curtailed the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix to just two laps.
An exciting qualifying session ultimately determined the race classification for this season’s Belgian Grand Prix as Race Director Michael Masi deemed the conditions too risky for the race to proceed. While there were two separate attempts to start the race behind the Safety Car, a decision was made for the race to be abandoned due to a combination of poor visibility and a high chance of aquaplaning.
Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was classified third with Williams driver George Russell claiming a shock second place after his immense performance during the weekend’s qualifying session. This was Russell’s first podium in the sport and also his third points-scoring finish in Formula 1.
With the race officially ending after just two laps, only half points will be awarded to the top 10 finishers meaning Verstappen closes the gap to Hamilton in the championship standings to just three points.
Outside the top three, McLaren’s Daniel Ricciardo scored his best result of the season with the Australian driver being classified fourth. He was followed by Sebastian Vettel, Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, Charles Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi, and Carlos Sainz who rounded out the top 10.
Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, who was scheduled to start seventh, crashed on the way to the grid meaning the Mexican driver was the last of the classified finishers. The incident also cost Red Bull dearly as the Milton Keynes-based outfit still trail Mercedes in the Constructor’s Championship by seven points.
The next race of the season will take place in a week’s time as the Zandvoort race circuit makes its long-awaited return to the Formula 1 calendar.
