Now that’s what you call a racing masterclass! The 2024 Belgian GP was (as expected) enthralling. Not a moment bereft of entertainment. Several top 5 drivers kept taking the lead, but ultimately George Russell emerged victorious. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who was leading the race twice, found himself trailing behind Russell, thus finishing in P2. Right before the summer break, this was the best gift for both drivers. However, the result wasn’t satisfactory for Hamilton.

The seven-time champ had thought he’d win the race. Honestly, with the show he had put up, it did look like he’d win. The two-pitstop strategy was working well, until lap 32. No matter how many times Hamilton tried after that, he couldn’t overtake Russell. It looked like he didn’t want to make things risky from the position they were in. But, at the end of the race, Hamilton revealed an insight to one of the racers. What did the veteran say?

Lewis Hamilton exposes Mercedes’ tire strategies for him in Spa-Francorchamps

Following the end of the Belgian GP, Hamilton’s drive into the pitlane was quiet – after all, the champ had missed his aim. However, he was happy for the team, as his and Russell’s performance brought in some crucial points for Mercedes. But, in the cooling room where Oscar Piastri was ‘chilling’ and going through the race highlights., Hamilton shared a little secret with the Aussie.

Hamilton was leading and felt confident about his tires, saying they were “still good” on lap 25. However, Mercedes had to react to Leclerc’s pitting, so they brought Hamilton in two laps later to stay ahead of Leclerc. Lewis told Oscar Piastri that his tires were fine in all stints that he was told to box. Surprisingly, he still had a bit of tire left at the end of every stint. Yet, the team called him in for a pitstop.

Lewis must be feeling disappointed; he drove a brilliant race, but only for Russell to win the Grand Prix. While the Mercedes No.1 worked on a two-pitstops strategy, George Russell went in with just a single pitstop. And despite the two pitstops, the 7x champ couldn’t overtake his teammate, even when the chance was open. Those few laps saw Lewis drive a cautious race, which ultimately bore the results. However, for Mercedes, the race was a success.

Crucial points for Mercedes at the Belgian GP 2024

Keeping aside Lewis Hamilton’s disappointment, the Belgian GP was extremely optimistic for the Silver Arrows. Toto Wolff must be a happy man today. After all, a Mercedes 1-2 right before the summer break was all that the team had ever desired. A total of 43 points for the team. And with that, Lewis goes up to the 6th place and Russell to 7th on the Drivers’ standings. Carlos Sainz is just ahead of the Mercedes duo and Sergio Perez trails behind.

The Belgian GP has also given Mercedes a huge boost in the Constructors’ standings, as they went right up in the top 5, now sitting at no. 4 with 284 points. Since the Canadian GP earlier this year, Mercedes has been on a roll with six podiums combined, including three wins in the last four races. Now, if anyone says “Mercedes is back!” don’t correct them. They are correct. This is what redemption looks like.

For the next 30 days, while F1 goes on a break, we’re sure the drivers won’t. During the vacation phase, their training will continue. Mercedes won’t be an exception. Following the break, what the teams will come up with is a question left for the Dutch GP. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell will be going home (or to the team’s headquarters) on a positive note.

What’s your take on the results of the Belgian GP? Share in the comments.

Update: George Russell has been disqualified as his car was found 1.5 kg underweight, which violated the rules in Article 4.1 of FIA F1 Technical Regulations. Lewis Hamilton is now the winner of the Belgian GP.