2021 Belgian Grand Prix

Championship standings

After Hungary, Hamilton leads the Drivers’ Championship by eight points from Verstappen. Norris is third, Bottas fourth, Pérez fifth. Mercedes lead the Constructors’ by 12 points over Red Bull. Ferrari and McLaren are level on 163 points in third and fourth.

Previous race

At the Hungaroring, rain at the start triggered a chaotic opening lap. Bottas misjudged his braking and slid into Norris, triggering a chain of collisions that eliminated five drivers — Bottas, Norris, Pérez, Stroll and Leclerc. The race was red-flagged. After the restart, Ocon held his lead to take his first Formula One victory, ahead of Hamilton, who had fought from last after being the only driver not to pit for slicks at the restart. Vettel finished second on the road but was later disqualified for a fuel sample irregularity, promoting Hamilton to second and Sainz to third.

Entrants

This is Daniel Ricciardo’s 200th Formula One Grand Prix start.

Tyre choices

Pirelli brings the C2, C3, and C4 compounds.

Penalties

Bottas and Stroll each carry a five-place grid penalty into the Belgian Grand Prix for causing collisions at the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Practice

Bottas was fastest in FP1 ahead of Verstappen and Gasly; Hamilton finished 18th after being impeded by a slow Latifi. In FP2, Leclerc crashed at Les Combes, ending his session. Verstappen also lost the rear and hit the wall at Malmedy. Ocon spun but recovered. Verstappen finished fastest, ahead of Bottas and Hamilton. In FP3 the Red Bulls took first and second, with Verstappen ahead of Pérez; Hamilton was third. Räikkönen ended his session early when his brakes failed.