Hamilton’s Bold Belgian GP Strategy Pays Off with Strong Finish

Lewis Hamilton demonstrated his racing prowess by finishing seventh in the Belgian GP — after opting to start from the pit lane due to downforce setup changes.

The race faced a nearly 90-minute delay due to heavy rain, followed by a rolling start after four laps behind the safety car. Hamilton quickly dispatched several drivers including Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll immediately after racing commenced.

Mercedes team’s strategic decision to be the first to pit for slick tires proved crucial — elevating Hamilton to eighth before he managed to pass Liam Lawson.

“When you’re in this situation you have to gamble a little bit,” explained Ferrari Team Principal Frederic Vasseur, commenting on the tire strategy.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with his low downforce setup maintained third position — withstanding pressure from Max Verstappen in early laps before drying track conditions favored his car’s configuration.