Max Verstappen wins Belgian Grand Prix to extend lead in title race

Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix with a masterclass of control and overwhelming pace in coming back from 14th on the grid. He beat his Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez into second with Carlos Sainz in third for Ferrari. Lewis Hamilton crashed out on the opening lap after clashing with Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, who finished in fifth. Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate George Russell was fourth with Charles Leclerc in sixth for Ferrari.

This was a remarkable display of dominance from Verstappen. It is the lowest position on the grid from which he has gone on to win, having taken victory from 10th at the last round in Hungary.

The Dutchman enjoyed absolutely indomitable pace and once he had cleared his rivals, which he did with a series of composed and precision overtaking, took off into the distance. The Red Bull was the class act of the field, ominously strong and on which form it is now surely only a matter of time before the world champion seals his second title. Title rivals Ferrari were left impotent in their wake.

Verstappen had a real advantage in qualifying and but for his grid penalty for taking a new engine, would have been on pole. It transpired the sanction was but a minor inconvenience. His lead over Leclerc in the championship which was already formidable is now a chasm. Pérez has moved into second place 93 points back with Leclerc 98 in arrears.

Sainz held his lead into turn one while Hamilton darted up to third place behind Alonso who had taken second. The British driver was charging but attempting to pass the Spaniard at Les Combes the pair clashed, although Hamilton had his nose in front, there was just not enough space through the corner and it was deemed a racing incident. Hamilton however had taken