2019 Belgian Grand Prix

Championship standings

Hamilton leads Bottas by 62 points. Mercedes leads Ferrari by 150 in the Constructors’.

Previous race

Hamilton won Hungary with a two-stop strategy, cutting through traffic to pass Verstappen around the outside of turn 1 with four laps remaining. Verstappen had led from what was his maiden career pole position and reported over the radio that his tyres were “dead” before Hamilton made the decisive move. Vettel finished third, Leclerc fourth.

Between-race developments

Following the Hungarian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing announced that Pierre Gasly is demoted to Toro Rosso and Alexander Albon is promoted in his place. Red Bull cited Gasly’s performances as insufficient — he had completed twelve races with the team. The decision drew criticism as Albon and Toro Rosso team-mate Kvyat had both previously been released from Red Bull contracts. Gasly takes Albon’s Toro Rosso seat.

Entrants

Albon makes his Red Bull Racing debut this weekend. Gasly returns to Toro Rosso. Nicholas Latifi drives in the first practice session for Williams, replacing Russell. Marcus Ericsson travelled to Belgium and was available to stand in for Räikkönen, who suffered a leg injury over the summer break; Räikkönen is able to race.