Image copyright: Getty Images
2021 Formula 1 World Championship
Round 12
Belgian Grand Prix
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot
29 August 2021
15:00 CAT
Lewis Hamilton will look to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ standings when the
2021 Formula 1 World Championship hosts Round 12, the Belgian Grand Prix, at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Stavelot on Sunday 29 August.
Mercedes’ Hamilton has struck back in his rivalry with Red Bull Racing-Honda driver Max Verstappen in the last two rounds, claiming a controversial win at the British Grand Prix (following a collision with Verstappen which put the Dutchman out of the race) and a second place finish at the Hungarian Grand Prix to open an eight-point lead at the top of the log.
Image copyright: Getty Images
The Hungarian race saw the seven-time World Champion make en error in judgement in terms of not pitting for dry tyres at the end of the second formation lap (following a massive crash on the first start which saw teammate Valtteri Bottas crash into both Red Bulls), but he then produced a brilliant recovery drive which could yet prove vital in the title race.
Mercedes have closed the gap in performance after the Red Bulls racked up five straight wins from Monaco to Austria, with Hamilton hoping that they can continue to improve heading into the Belgian GP, which arrives after a four-week break.
Image copyright: Getty Images
"We've made a really good step forward,” explained Hamilton.
"From Monaco it got very intense and the update worked well. We worked on our processes on the weekends and tried to get more out of the car. I think we're much closer now.
He added, "We learn from our mistakes. Unfortunately, because we would wish they didn't happen in the first place, but it's not about how you fall, it's about how you get up again.”
Hamilton has won three of the last six races at Spa-Francorchamps (and four overall in his career), including the last edition in 2020 when Bottas came home in second and Verstappen was third.
2021 F1 World Championship standings: Drivers, top 5
1. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 195 points
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing-Honda), 187
3. Lando Norris (McLaren-Mercedes), 113
4. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes), 108
5. Sergio Perez (Red Bull Racing-Honda), 104
2021 F1 World Championship standings: Constructors, top 5
1. Mercedes, 303 points
2. Red Bull Racing-Honda, 291
3. Ferrari, 163
4. McLaren-Mercedes, 163
5. Alpine-Renault, 77
Bet on Mostorsport with Betway
Betting on motorsport with Betway is fast-paced and exciting. With access to a huge selection of markets and odds, it won’t be long before you are betting at 100km/h. Click HERE to register a new account, and get a R25 Free Bet which you can use to bet on Formula 1, MotoGP, NASCAR, or any other sport of your choice.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.