Russell disqualified, Mercedes win again + McLaren in the mix - 2024 Belgian GP Review
Jul 29, 2024
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Stoffel Vandoorne, Aston Martin Reserve Driver, joins 9-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen and rising star Oscar Piastri to dive into George Russell's unexpected disqualification at the Belgian Grand Prix. They analyze how Mercedes performed well despite the setback, with Lewis Hamilton's exceptional tire management leading to another victory. Piastri shares his thrilling experience, highlighting his close call with the podium and McLaren’s competitive edge. The group also discusses Red Bull’s struggles and the changing dynamics between teams, especially the challenges faced by Ferrari and Alpine.
George Russell's disqualification due to weight issues emphasizes the crucial need for strict adherence to racing regulations and car setup.
Lewis Hamilton's victory at Spa showcases his exceptional skills and highlights Mercedes' resurgence in performance despite challenges faced earlier this season.
Deep dives
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George Russell's Disqualification
George Russell was disqualified from the Belgian Grand Prix after his car was found to be underweight by 1.5 kilos, leading to Lewis Hamilton being declared the race winner. Weight is a critical component in racing regulations, and Russell's disqualification highlights the strict compliance teams must adhere to regarding car weight. The disqualification not only impacted Russell’s record but also shifted the focus onto the importance of car setup and adherence to regulations. The incident underscored how minor discrepancies can lead to significant consequences in competitive racing.
Lewis Hamilton's Victory and Team Dynamics
Lewis Hamilton secured his latest victory amidst the ongoing competitiveness of the season, marking the fifth win at Spa, showcasing his exceptional skill and experience. Despite Russell’s disqualification, Hamilton's strategic driving on race day brought the Mercedes team back to the forefront of the competition. The weekend revealed notable advancements in the Mercedes car's performance, especially compared to their struggles in earlier races. The camaraderie and rivalry between Hamilton and Russell exemplified the dynamic within the Mercedes team as they vie for top performance amidst intense competition.
Oscar Piastri's Rising Performance
Oscar Piastri achieved a commendable second-place finish after benefiting from Russell’s disqualification, marking a strong performance in his Formula One career. His ability to navigate challenging track conditions and manage tire wear demonstrated his growing maturity as a driver. Piastri recognized the potential to have performed even better and expressed satisfaction with the execution of his race strategy. The contrasting performance between Piastri and his teammate highlighted the importance of consistency and adaptability in a competitive racing environment.
Tom Clarkson, Aston Martin Reserve Driver Stoffel Vandoorne and 9-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen analyse George Russell's disqualification from the 2024 Belgian Grand Prix, and discuss why it was still an impressive race weekend for Mercedes - with Russell's strategy and Hamilton's overtaking taking the Silver Arrows to the front of the field for the third time in four races.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri thinks Belgium was one of his best weekends in F1 to date, but he narrowly missed out on challenging Mercedes for the lead. Teammate Lando Norris was frustrated after a scrappy opening lap. As well as McLaren, the F1 Nation team talk about Max Verstappen's supreme speed at Spa, and ask if Sergio Perez has reached the end of the road with Red Bull Racing.
Plus, why were Ferrari so quick in qualifying but slower in the race? What made it a difficult weekend for Aston Martin? What does Esteban Ocon's overtaking tell us about Alpine's car, and what does the future hold for the team now Team Principal Bruno Famin is on his way out?
Experience F1 live in 2024
Tickets for races in the Netherlands, Texas, Las Vegas and around the world are on sale now. Go to tickets.formula1.com to book your place at a Grand Prix.
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