Sebastian Vettel survives chaotic first lap to win at Spa

THE CHAOS started instantly at the Belgian Grand Prix, which was eventually won by Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, from Lewis Hamilton, and Max Verstappen.

The most exciting action of the entire 44-lap grand prix happened during the first handful of corners, with a three-car crash quickly followed by a race-changing pass for the lead of the race.

On the run into the first corner of the race Nico Hulkenberg misjudged his braking for the first turn, punting Fernando Alonso, who was then launched over the top of Sauber’s Charles Leclerc. All three drivers retired on the spot.

Amid the carnage, Daniel Ricciardo was collected, losing his rear wing in the process, before his Red Bull made contact with Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen. Both drivers were forced to eventually retire from the race.

Hamilton had started from pole following an unexpectedly wet qualifying, and led Vettel initially through Eau Rouge.

However, the Ferrari “sailed” past the Mercedes on the Kemmel Straight thanks to the benefits of a slip stream. The timing was fortuitous, with yellow flags waved and the safety car called onto the track, neutralising the stoush, which Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez were also involved in.

Hamilton misjudged his timing on the restart, and was unable to pounce on Vettel in the same manner, and the remaining 40-laps were a case of tyre management for the leaders.

Valtteri Bottas had started at the rear of the grid due to engine penalties, and scythed his way through the field to eventually finish fourth. Despite carving through the field, the action was minimal, with most passes a display of extra power and DRS rather than driver skill.

Perez rounded out the top five for the newly renamed Racing Point Force India on the team’s technical debut after being saved from insolvency during the mid-season break.

Vettel now closes the gap to championship leader Hamilton to just 17 points.

The victory increases Vettel’s win tally to 52, moving him past Alain Prost to third on the all-time list.

Formula 1 will return next weekend at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix.

Mercedes-AMG leads Ferrari in the constructor’s standings by 15 points.