The speak forward of the beginning of Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix was who would end behind Max Verstappen, regardless that the Dutch driver was ranging from the fifteenth spot on the grid.
Seems everybody knew what they have been speaking about.
Verstappen seemed like he was utilizing a real-life cheat code at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamp, and as soon as he was within the lead by Lap 18, each automobile behind him was simply racing to see who the primary loser was going to be.
“This complete weekend has been unimaginable, a weekend I could not handle earlier than,” Verstappen mentioned. “However we wish extra, and we’ll maintain working laborious.”
In the long run it was Verstappen’s teammate, Sergio Perez, who efficiently fought for second, adopted by the pole-sitter, Carlos Sainz Jr., in third, George Russell’s Mercedes in fourth and Sainz’s Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, in fifth.
“The tempo was simply not there,” Sainz mentioned. “In the long run we completed on the rostrum, however we simply did not have it right now. … Max and Crimson Bull have been in a category of their very own right now.”
It figured straightaway that the beginning of the Belgian Grand Prix can be a bit tense, notably as eight vehicles — together with Verstappen and Leclerc — that had certified effectively have been relegated to the again of the sphere for engine adjustments.
“It was fairly hectic first lap,” Verstappen mentioned.
But as an alternative of the again of the sphere being a problem it was the entrance of the sphere, because it all went dangerous in a short time for Lewis Hamilton, who mentioned he “did not see” Fernando Alonso, who “was in my blind spot” when he drove down and over the Spaniard. That coming collectively ended with Hamilton’s day being over, whereas Alonso soldiered on for a top-10 end.
From there it was already wanting like it will be only a quick matter of time earlier than Verstappen would make his method to the entrance, and that when he did the race would basically be over.
“Max was simply flying,” Perez mentioned. “He was from one other planet. Untouchable.”
Unofficial ending order
- Max Verstappen, Crimson Bull Racing
- Sergio Perez, Crimson Bull Racing
- Carlos Sainz Jr., Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Fernando Alonso, Alpine
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Esteban Ocon, Alpine
- Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin
- Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri
- Alex Albon, Williams
- Lance Stroll, Aston Martin
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
- Zhou Guanyu, Alfa Romeo
- Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren
- Kevin Magnussen, Haas
- Mick Schumacher, Haas
- Nicholas Latifi, Williams
- Valtteri Bottas, Alfa Romeo
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
