Belgian Grand Prix: A Historical Overview of Memorable Races

The Belgian Grand Prix, first held in 1925 and a fixture of the F1 calendar since 1950, remains synonymous with thrilling motorsport moments, particularly at Spa-Francorchamps. Here is a recap of five significant races that defined its history.

1992: Schumacher’s Strategic Triumph

Michael Schumacher secured his first F1 victory at the 1992 Belgian Grand Prix under challenging conditions. Qualifying second, he leveraged a rain-soaked race to change to slick tires three laps earlier than race leader Nigel Mansell. As Mansell battled engine issues, Schumacher extended his lead to 36 seconds, marking his first of six wins at Spa. This race was also notable as the last victory for a car using a manual gearbox.

1998: Chaos and Jordan’s Breakthrough

The 1998 race witnessed one of F1’s most significant pile-ups at La Source, initiated by David Coulthard’s accident. Despite the chaos, all drivers escaped serious injury. After a second standing start, Damon Hill achieved a commanding lead until a collision with the lapped Coulthard led to Schumacher’s retirement. Hill ultimately won the race, securing Jordan’s first-ever Grand Prix victory with only eight cars finishing.

2008: Hamilton’s Disqualification

During a critical season, Lewis Hamilton started from pole in the 2008 race but lost the lead early due to a spin, allowing Kimi Raikkonen to seize control. A late rain shower complicated the final laps, culminating in an intense battle. However, Hamilton initially took the win, only to later receive a controversial 25-second penalty for gaining an advantage, ultimately awarding Felipe Massa the victory.

2019: Leclerc’s Emotional First Win

The 2019 edition was overshadowed by the tragic death of Anthoine Hubert in a Formula 2 race. In a race marked by tragedy, Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance, converting his pole position into his first F1 victory amid emotional tributes. He held off pressure from teammate Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton to claim a victory tinged with reflection.

2021: The Shortest Race in History

The 2021 Belgian Grand Prix became notorious for having no green-flag racing. After a rain-soaked weekend, the race began behind the safety car and only completed two laps before being suspended, resulting in half points being awarded. Max Verstappen was declared the winner, an outcome that led to widespread criticism and subsequent rule changes regarding points allocation for curtailed races.

These races underline the Belgian Grand Prix’s rich history, filled with dramatic moments and pivotal turning points in F1 lore.