Belgian Grand Prix LIVE result: Latest updates from F1 today as Lewis Hamilton wins at Spa
Follow the latest updates from the seventh round of the 2020 F1 season at Spa-Francorchamps as Hamilton extends his world championship advantage
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers
Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Follow the latest updates live from the Belgian Grand Prix as Lewis Hamilton attempts to make it five wins from seven this season, but the six-time world champion could well be in for an unpredictable afternoon.
Hamilton blitzed his way to pole position on Saturday, lapping more than half-a-second faster than second-placed Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen in third. However, the long run from Turn One through Eau Rouge and up to Les Combes offers the chance for those behind the leader to attack, as we’ve seen countless times in the past.
But there is also the threat of rain, with showers expected before the start of the race and sunny weather expected after to trigger a drying track. With Daniel Ricciardo in the low-downforce Renault in fourth, it could be a topsy-turvy opening lap at Spa. Follow the live updates below.
Max Verstappen: "It was really boring, not really interesting, not much to do. I couldn't keep up with them when we were pushing, and then I ran out of tyres for the last eight laps when I was saving them. It just wasn't that enjoyable out there today.
"A bit lonely.
"I wasn't sure with our top speed if it would be easy to pass (Ricciardo) so we just stayed out. It's not the most satisfying P3 but I'm still happy. We just had no tyres left so I wasn't taking any risks, and it was probably a good weekend for (Renault), but we did what we could."
Valtteri Bottas: "With the same car and Lewis driving mistake-free it was tricky.
"Actually I had no clue about that, maybe they said it but I don't recall.
"I think Lewis was faultless today, and yesterday he was quick. It was a clean weekend for me and no mistakes, but one of those races."
Lewis Hamilton: "It wasn't the easiest of races. I had a lock up into turn five that gave me a vibration then ran on in the last corner. The tyres were losing temperatures no matter how much you managed them. I was a little bit nervous that we'd have a scenario like Silverstone, but the tyres look fine so maybe they were ok.
"I know its not necessarily what everybody always wants to see the Mercedes at the front, but no matter what success we have we just keep our heads down. I go back to the factory and nobody is celebrating, everybody is just how can we win again.
"It's crazy that I'm 35 now going on 36, but I feel better than ever.
"That's a nightmare that start, because no matter how good it's one of the shortest starts to Turn One. As you saw I got a big snap out of Turn One and maybe if I didn't have it he would have got me, but I think it worked to my benefit because as he was right behind me he had to lift before the climb, so no shake'n'bake today."
Belgian Grand Prix results
1. Hamilton
2. Bottas +8,4s
3. Verstappen +15.4s
4. Ricciardo +18.8s
5. Ocon +40.6s
6. Albon +42.7s
7. Norris +43.7s
8. Gasly +47.3s
9. Stroll +52.6s
10. Perez +53.1s
CHEQUERED FLAG: LEWIS HAMILTON WINS THE BELGIAN GRAND PRIX!
Lap 44: Ocon gets past Albon on the final lap! He takes fifth for Renault.
Lap 43: Ocon gets a compromised exit from Turn One and it allows Albon to stay clear. Gasly meanwhile gets Stroll and that should bag him eighth.
Lap 42: There's a fantastic battle for fifth unfolding as Ocon has caught Albon, but Norris is right on his tail. Ocon has a run at the Red Bull into Les Combes, but Albon defends well and retains the position.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies