Formula 1: Top five most iconic moments in Belgian GP history

F1 legend Michael Schumacher made his race debut in the 1991 Belgian GP.

Ever since its introduction in 1950, the Belgian Grand Prix has been home to some of the most thrilling action on the track, thanks in part to its high-speed corners and unpredictable weather. Although the circuit’s safety measures have been a subject of debate in recent years, the track undoubtedly holds a special place in the hearts of Formula 1 fans. Now, let’s take a closer look at the top five most memorable moments of the Belgian GP.

5. Mika Hakkinen’s overtake on Michael Schumacher

The 2000 Belgian Grand Prix delivered one of the most memorable moments in Formula 1 history when Mika Hakkinen executed a daring overtake on Michael Schumacher. Although both Hakkinen and Schumacher had engaged in a thrilling battle for the lead from the start, as the race was concluding, Schumacher found himself struggling with tire wear.

Seizing the opportunity, Hakkinen closed in on Schumacher’s Ferrari as they approached Ricardo Zonta on the Eau Rouge corner. He then executed a daring move and went between Zonta and Schumacher as they sped along the Kemmel Straight. This breathtaking move allowed Hakkinen to take the lead, ultimately securing the victory.

4. George Russell’s qualifying masterclass in 2021

Although the 2021 Belgian GP was marked by heavy rain and ended up being forgettable, the qualifying session held on the previous day was nothing short of spectacular, particularly for George Russell, who was then driving for Williams.

This is because, despite driving possibly the slowest car on track, Russell delivered a stunning qualifying lap under torrential rain. His lap time of 2:00:086 placed him second fastest in Q3, just behind Max Verstappen, who took pole position. Moreover, his performance at the Belgian GP was the reason Mercedes offered him a contract.

3. Charles Leclerc’s maiden victory in 2019

Although Charles Leclerc’s prowess in F1 is no secret today, his first win came at the 2019 Belgian GP. Starting from pole position, Leclerc led the race but faced relentless pressure from Lewis Hamilton as the laps ticked down. However, the young Monegasque driver held his nerve and fended off Hamilton’s challenge to become the 108th different winner in Formula 1 history.

2. Lewis Hamilton vs Kimi Raikkonen’s thrilling battle

Often hailed as the King of Spa, Kimi Raikkonen’s dramatic battle in the 2008 Belgian GP was extraordinary, as, in the closing stages of the race, rain unexpectedly arrived, throwing a spanner in the works for the drivers and teams who had to make a tough call between staying out on slick tires or switching to wet tires.

Amid these conditions, Hamilton and Raikkonen found themselves fighting for victory while navigating the treacherous conditions. However, a crash ended Raikkonen’s race, allowing Hamilton to snatch the win. That was, however, to not last for long as FIA issued sanctions for the incident that resulted in Hamilton dropping to third place and Ferrari’s Felipe Massa taking the win.

1. Micheal Schumacher’s debut

The 1991 Belgian Grand Prix holds a special place in Formula 1 history as it marked the debut of a young and promising driver, Michael Schumacher. However, his debut wasn’t planned, as Eddie Jordan, the team principal of Jordan, found himself in a driver crisis after Bertrand Gachot’s unfortunate altercation with a taxi driver led to his imprisonment.

Therefore, looking for a replacement, Jordan turned to Michael Schumacher, who had already shown great potential in Formula 3. And although his first race was cut short due to a clutch issue, he went on to become the most successful and celebrated driver in F1 history.

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