Verstappen wins farcical two-lap Belgian GP for half points

Max Verstappen has been classified as the winner of Formula 1’s 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, which was delayed, before only two laps were run behind the safety car.

Half points were awarded, as less than 75% of the race was completed.

With no green flag action taking place, George Russell was classified in second place, taking Williams’ first podium finish since the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton was third, securing the final spot on the podium. As only half-points were awarded, the seven-time world champion retains a slender margin over Verstappen in the title race.

Red Bull’s Sergio Perez crashed on his way to the grid prior to the start of the race, and was originally ruled out of the event – however the team managed to repair the Mexican’s car in time for a short restart under the safety car, certifying that he was classified, albeit outside the points.

The grand prix was originally delayed from its 15:00 local time starting slot, before a handful of formation laps were carried out behind the safety car.

The formation laps signalled the start of the three-hour window in which the race could be completed.

However, race control opted to red flag the session due to the weather, with several drivers in the field complaining about zero visibility.

The cars returned to the pit lane, and after almost three hours of waiting, the FIA exercised its rights to pause the race, citing “force majeure”, meaning it held the option of restarting for one hour later in the evening.

Eventually, the cars returned to the circuit and completed the necessary two laps behind the safety car, which allowed for half-points to be awarded.

The FIA once again deployed a red flag as the rain continued to pelt down and soak the track, with most drivers still having little to no visibility due to the spray.

Daniel Ricciardo classified fourth, taking his best result of the season ahead of Sebastian Vettel and Pierre Gasly.

As per their starting slots, Esteban Ocon was seventh, leading Charles Leclerc, Nicholas Latifi and Carlos Sainz who rounded out the top ten.

	Position		Driver	Team	Gap
	1		Max Verstappen	Red Bull
	2		George Russell	Williams	1.995
	3		Lewis Hamilton	Mercedes	2.601
	4		Daniel Ricciardo	McLaren	4.496
	5		Sebastian Vettel	Aston Martin	7.479
	6		Pierre Gasly	AlphaTauri	10.177
	7		Esteban Ocon	Alpine	11.579
	8		Charles Leclerc	Ferrari	12.608
	9		Nicholas Latifi	Williams	15.485
	10		Carlos Sainz Jr	Ferrari	16.166
	11		Fernando Alonso	Alpine	20.590
	12		Valtteri Bottas	Mercedes	22.414
	13		Antonio Giovinazzi	Alfa Romeo	24.163
	14		Lando Norris	McLaren	27.110
	15		Yuki Tsunoda	AlphaTauri	28.329
	16		Mick Schumacher	Haas	29.507
	17		Nikita Mazepin	Haas	31.994
	18		Kimi Raikkonen	Alfa Romeo	36.054
	19		Sergio Perez	Red Bull	38.205
	20		Lance Stroll	Aston Martin	44.108