Belgian Grand Prix 2018: Sebastian Vettel wins to close gap on Lewis Hamilton - as it happened
Follow all the latest from Spa-Francorchamps
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Lewis Hamilton starts the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after yet another wet-weather masterclass in qualifying.
As the rain swept in over the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, Hamilton took advantage of the tricky conditions to finish comfortably clear of title rival Sebastian Vettel. Frenchman Esteban Ocon will line up in a shock third place for Force India ahead of his team-mate Sergio Perez.
Vettel, who trails Hamilton by 24 points in the driver's championship, was the strong favourite to take pole with Ferrari holding the advantage over Mercedes in the dry. But as the rain arrived in the seconds before the top-10 shootout, it was Hamilton who took the spoils to finish a mighty seven tenths clear of the German.
We will have all the latest updates from Belgium:
Please allow a moment for the live blog to load...
Preview
What time is it?
The 2018 Belgian Grand Prix starts at 14.10 BST.
What channel is it on?
The race is live on Channel 4 with coverage beginning at 1pm. The race is also being shown live on Sky Sports F1 with their show starting at 12.30pm.
What if I don't have access to a TV?
You can watch the race online via SkyGo. The race is also being broadcast live on BBC 5Live.
Who's going to win?
Lewis Hamilton is Evens to win from the front with title rival Sebastian Vettel a shade odds on at 5/4. If you fancy a longer shot Max Verstappen is 25/1 to pull off the upset.
Rain update
It's raining a fair bit in the United Kingdom and it seems that it's heading east, and you know what's east of the UK...that's right, it's the Belgian Grand Prix! There could be rain!
1998 carnage
20 years ago on this weekend, David Coulthard caused millions of pounds worth of damage on the first corner of one of the best Formula 1 races in recent history. An equal amount of drama and action this afternoon would be most welcome.
Grid walk time
David Coulthard and Mark Webber have been making their way through the grid on Channel 4.
Segio Perez, Force India, Q4: "Expectations are good, we have a good opportunity but we must stay realistic.
Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren, Q20: "The only way is up from here, it's not been an ideal weekend. Hopefully the cars in front cause mayhem in front of use. It's my turn to push him (Bottas) off.
Christian Horner, Red Bull team principle: "We're going to be quick on the straights and let's see. The driver are free to race each other and pass the other cars. Force Indias are quick on the straight so lets see if we can go on Kimi. All the support races the tires have been going off quickly.
Kevin Magnussen. Haas, Q9: "I think it's great we have an opp with the Renault starting from the back and us starting in the points, we need to make use of that. It's great fun and a really good track to race on, there's a lot of stuff happening."
Esteban Ocon: Force India. Q3: "I'm feeling great, being here with the two guys fighting for the title is great. They're (Hamilton and Vettel) going to fight hard and I'm here to take my opportunity. If i have a good start i will take the opportunity, our fight is more with the Red Bull and the Haas."
Max Verstappen, Red Bull, Q7: "We were unlucky in qualifying but we will push it during the race, maybe not good enough to beat Mercedes or Ferrari. A lot of things can happen in Spa so we are keeping positive."
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, Q2: "As long as we get him (Hamilton), that's the game plan."
National anthem
We've had the Belgian National Anthem, just ten minutes to go until the drivers charge towards La Source.
Meanwhile at Haas...
Formation Lap
Lights out is just moments away, here's a reminder of how the drivers line up:
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
- Esteban Ocon, Force India
- Sergio Perez, Force India
- Romain Grosjean, Haas
- Kimi Raikkonen, Ferrari
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull
- Kevin Magnussen, Haas
- Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso
- Brendon Hartley, Toro Rosso
- Charles Leclerc, Sauber
- Marcus Ericsson, Sauber
- Fernando Alonso, McLaren
- Sergey Sirotkin, Williams
- Lance Stroll, Williams
- Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
- Nico Hulkenberg, Renault
- Carlos Sainz, Renault
- Stoffel Vandoorne, McLaren
Lights out!
We're away! Hamilton gets away well, it's an even start. Hamilton holds his position in the first corner but Vettel gets past him after a short spell of pressure by getting into his slipstream down the Kemmel Straight.
And a there's a safety car! Alonso is involved in an almighty crash with Nico Hulkenberg. The Renault completely locks up and flies into the back of Alonso at La Source.
Vettel gets ahead of Hamilton before the safety car is announced so he holds his place. No overtaking for now.
Lap 2
Daniel Ricciardo is in the pits, as is Kimi Raikkonen. Ricciardo has a new back wing as the Ferrari changes tires. All the cars are coming through the pits to avoid the debris at La Source.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
0Comments