Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver was able to get his maiden Formula 1 victory on at the Belgian GP by holding off Lewis Hamilton. With this win, Ferrari has managed to end its duck for the 2019 F1 season at Spa.
In the amazing ending lap of the race, Hamilton was within reach of the Leclerc in the lap but then Leclerc held on to his strategy and was able to cross the pole for an epic win.
This win was dedicated to Anthoine Hubert by Leclerc who was the formula 2 driver and a good friend of Leclerc. Anthoine Hubert died after sustaining injuries at the Spa on Saturday after a fatal car crash.
21 years old Leclerc said, “On one hand is my childhood dream which I have realized today. On the other hand, this has been a very difficult weekend for me. We have lost a dear friend and it is very difficult to celebrate in these conditions. We would like to dedicate this victory to him. I am not able to fully enjoy the first career victory but this will remain in my memories forever.”
This was the first victory for Ferrari this season secured by Leclerc and as for Hamilton; he made a great start but had to settle for 2nd place.
Hamilton, whose title lead is extended to 65 points ahead of Valtteri Bottas was able to overtake Sebastian Vettel and was able to close in on Leclerc one second for each passing lap. However, he was still not able to close in the finishing laps and the checkered flag denied him of his effort for 1st place.
Hamilton said, “I gave it my everything. It was a difficult race today and I think that Ferrari was just a lot faster today and it was very hard to keep up with them on the straights. Congratulations to Charles as this is his first win of the career. It has been coming to him all this year and I am really happy for his achievement,”
Belgian GP race result:
1. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
4. Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari
5. Alex Albon, Red Bull
6. Sergio Perez, Racing Point
7. Daniil Kvyat, Toro Rosso
8. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault
9. Pierre Gasly, Toro Rosso
10. Lance Stroll, Racing Point
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