The Belgian Grand Prix was the last Formula 1 Grand Prix before the summer break. A lot of teams needed the odds to be in their favour to collect some of the points in the drivers’ and constructors’ championships. However, George Russell’s unique strategy allowed him to win the grand prix! The celebration was short-lived since George got disqualified from the race victory. Read on to learn more about what George did to get disqualified.
George Russell’s Strategy Gave Him The Win!
During this Grand Prix, most drivers and teams decided to go for a 2-stop race. Meaning that the drivers would make two pit stops to get new tires and better chances at winning the race. This was the case for Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, and Lando Norris. There was one driver in the top teams, who made a quick suggestion to the team and benefited from it by taking the lead. George Russell’s choice to ask his race engineer to go for a 1-stop race changed the outcome of it. This meant that there were some cars on newer rubber behind him, but he was sure that he could keep it up.
This quick decision let him pass multiple drivers on the grid, including his teammate Lewis Hamilton and gain first place. This ended up being the best decision that was made during the race and led to him winning the Grand Prix! It was a One-Two podium finish for Mercedes with Lewis just milliseconds behind George!
George’s Car Was Disqualified For Being Underweight
Before a Formula One race starts, racers have to meet a minimum weight requirement to be allowed to compete. George’s combined weight with the car was the exact limit of the weight restrictions. However, since the sport is so intense the racers will lose weight during the race in sweat and other fluids. To prevent teams from cheating, there are rules on the minimum weight a driver or the car can have right after the race.
When the car was weighed after the race, it was not completely drained of fuel. This made it look like it was perfectly within regulations. However, when the fuel was drained, the car was 1.5kg underweight. It might not seem like a lot, but it is quite significant in a sport where every kilo counts!
Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff Claims it was a genuine mistake from the team. He also apologised to George and is sad that they have to give up the one-two finish. The team still won with Lewis Hamilton getting awarded the victory after this conclusion.
