VERSTAPPEN DECLARED WINNER IN TWO LAP “RACE”

Max Verstappen had been declared the winner of the Belgian Grand Prix despite only two laps being completed behind the Safety Car.

Heavy rain at the Spa Francorchamps saw the race start delayed by 25 minutes before formation laps were completed under the control of the Safety Car.

Race officials deemed the conditions too dangerous and suspended the start procedure after two laps behind the Saftey Car, although at this point the race had not been officially started.

After three hours of waiting in the pitlane, an attempt was made to get the race underway at 6:17pm (local time) with the field once again following the Safety Car out onto the circuit.

But again with just two full laps completed behind the Safety Car, the race was red-flagged and would not resume.

Two laps were enough for the result to be declared and half points were awarded based largely on the qualifying order.

Red Bull’s Verstappen was deemed the winner ahead of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo was awarded fourth place while his McLaren teammate, Lando Norris, was able to start the race after a massive crash in qualifying, albeit in 14th after a penalty for replacing the gearbox.

Sergio Perez crash on the way to the grid – Image: Motorsport Images

The only changes to the qualifying order were Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo) and Sergio Perez (Red Bull) who were relegated to the rear of the field each with their own issues.

Both Stroll and Raikkonen were relegated to the rear of the field ahead of the race officially starting for changing their rear wings.

While Perez crashed on his way out to the grid. However, with the extended delay to the start of the race the Red Bull crew was able to repair the car and the Mexican started at the rear of the grid.

Verstappen’s win reduces Hamilton’s championship points advantage to just three heading into the Dutchman’s home event at Zandvoort next weekend.

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