Driver George Russell Disqualified in Race
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George Russell was disqualified from the Belgian Grand Prix after winning due to his Mercedes car being under the permitted weight. As a result, Lewis Hamilton was declared the winner of the race.
During a post-race check, Russell's car was found to be 1.5 kg below the weight allowed in the regulations after fuel drainage. The FIA stewards confirmed Russell's disqualification from the race at Spa-Francorchamps.
Hamilton, who initially finished second, was declared the winner following Russell's disqualification. Oscar Piastri moved up to second place, and Charles Leclerc to third.
The FIA stated that the team acknowledged the error in the car's weight and confirmed that all required procedures were correctly followed. Russell's strategy of a one-stop race may have contributed to the weight discrepancy due to unexpected tire wear.
Last year, Hamilton and Leclerc were disqualified from the US Grand Prix for similar violations related to their cars' floors. Hamilton took the lead during the race, but Russell's strategic move led to his victory, which was later revoked.
Despite the initial celebration, Russell's win was nullified after the stewards' decision. Team principal Toto Wolff praised Russell's performance as "the tyre whisperer" before the disqualification was announced.
Hamilton assumed the race lead after lap three, but Russell's bold strategy outperformed his rivals. Verstappen finished fourth after starting 11th due to an engine penalty, extending his championship lead over Norris as Formula One enters a four-week summer break.