Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have re-established themselves as a formidable race-winning team, while Max Verstappen and Red Bull must defend their titles against stiff competition. Fernando Alonso, despite his age, shows no signs of slowing down. The Belgian Grand Prix was a tense, intriguing, and ultimately thrilling event, even as George Russell faced disqualification for a technical violation post-victory.
Hamilton, a seven-time champion, ended a two and a half year drought by winning the British Grand Prix and has since secured podiums in Hungary and Sunday's race. His performance confirms his return to near-peak form, having made an excellent start, seizing the lead, and dominating the race until Russell's unfortunate one-stop strategy propelled him to the front. Hamilton's victory in a car he never thought possible when he decided to leave Mercedes for Ferrari next year marks his 105th career win, exactly 11 years after his first Mercedes victory in 2013.
The disqualification of Russell, whose car was found to be 1.5 kg under-weight during post-race inspection, deprived Mercedes of a one-two finish. Russell's bold decision to switch to a one-stop strategy from a two-stop on lap 26 likely led to his disqualification due to significantly worn tires. This incident boosted Max Verstappen, who moved up to fourth place, reducing the gap to Norris, who missed another opportunity to narrow Verstappen's 78-point lead.
Red Bull faces strategic decisions regarding Sergio Perez, who has yet to win this year and is struggling. Potential replacements include reserve driver Liam Lawson and Daniel Ricciardo, who was promoted to 10th place on Sunday. A test at Imola this week could determine Perez's future.
Fernando Alonso, like his former teammate Lewis Hamilton, continues to defy age, steering his Aston Martin to an impressive eighth place. Despite celebrating his 43rd birthday, Alonso remains enthusiastic, committed, and fiercely competitive, demonstrating his enduring prowess in Formula 1.
