Collisions, tensions and battles: 8 highlights of the Belgian Grand Prix

The Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit holds a special place in the history of Formula 1. This challenging track and the changing weather have led to races that are still remembered today.

With the return of the Belgian Grand Prix this week, let’s revisit eight moments that have marked the history of this event.

1991: The Spectacular Arrival of Michael Schumacher

On August 25, 1991, a young German made his F1 debut under unusual circumstances. Michael Schumacher stepped in at the last minute to replace Bertrand Gachot at Jordan, as the latter was imprisoned. Schumacher had never driven at Spa before.

To learn the circuit, he cycles around it. The future champion is going to qualify in seventh position, which surprises everyone, especially ahead of his teammate Andrea de Cesaris, who is experienced. His race ends in the first lap due to a clutch problem, but the damage is done.

This performance catches the eye of Flavio Briatore, head of Benetton, who hires him for the next race. The beginning of a career that will change F1.

2. 1998: Chaos in the rain and confrontation in the paddock

The 1998 edition will be remembered for its chaos. Right from the start under heavy rain, David Coulthard caused a massive pile-up at Raidillon involving 13 cars. Immediate red flag.

After the fresh start, the drama continues. Michael Schumacher, leading, catches up to Coulthard to overtake him. In the spray, the McLaren driver suddenly lifts his foot. Schumacher, who can’t see anything in his Ferrari, crashes into him head-on and loses his right front wheel.

The German, beside himself, goes directly to the McLaren garage to confront Coulthard. Meanwhile, Damon Hill offers Jordan its first victory, ahead of Ralf Schumacher in the Williams. A historic win for Jordan amidst the chaos.

Schumacher to confront Coulthard after their collision

Michael Schumacher confronts David Coulthard after the two collide in Spa

Belgian GP – 1998#F1 pic.twitter.com/K3RB4tvjwH

— F1 History (@TodayF1History) July 28, 2024

3. 2000: Häkkinen’s Legendary Overtake

The 2000 Grand Prix delivers one of the most spectacular duels in modern history. Mika Häkkinen and Michael Schumacher battle for victory. On the Kemmel straight, they catch up to Ricardo Zonta, who is a lap down.

Schumacher shifts his Ferrari to the left to block Häkkinen’s McLaren. But the Finn doesn’t give up. Instead of easing off the throttle, he dives to the right, uses Zonta’s BAR 002 as a screen, and overtakes both cars at once: Zonta on the right, Schumacher on the left. A move of surgical precision that paves his way to victory.

4. 2004: Schumacher’s seventh title

Spa-Francorchamps, Michael Schumacher’s favorite circuit, becomes the stage for his last crowning achievement. In 2004, the German clinched his seventh world title there, a record that then seemed unbeatable.

Kimi Räikkönen, in the McLaren, wins the race but Schumacher’s second place is enough for the title, with four races still to go. The peak of an unprecedented Ferrari-Schumacher domination, on the very circuit where it all began thirteen years earlier.

5. 2008: Hamilton wins then loses his victory

The 2008 edition offers a tense duel between Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen under intermittent rain. In the final laps, Hamilton attempts to overtake the Finnish Ferrari at the Bus Stop chicane braking zone.

The Briton cuts the chicane after being pushed wide by Räikkönen. He immediately gives back the position and then overtakes a few meters further. He crosses the line as the winner, but the stewards rule that he gained an advantage by cutting the chicane. They penalize him with a 25-second penalty. The McLaren driver then drops to third place, and Felipe Massa, Räikkönen’s teammate, inherits the victory. This decision will be controversial and weigh heavily in the title battle that year.

6. 2009: The Unexpected Feat of Fisichella and Force India

The 2009 qualifiers hold a major surprise. Giancarlo Fisichella, driving a Force India considered modest, delivers a perfect lap to clinch pole position. An achievement for the Indian team, never seen at the forefront.

In the race, Fisichella confirms with an excellent second place. Force India scores its first points and climbs onto its first podium. Proof that at Spa, surprises remain possible.

7. 2019: Leclerc’s debut in emotion

The 2019 Grand Prix marks Charles Leclerc’s first victory in F1, but in a particular context. The day before, Anthoine Hubert, a close friend of the Monegasque and former rival in junior formulas, died in an accident during the F2 race.

Starting from pole, the Ferrari driver withstands the pressure from Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes in the final laps. On the radio after his victory, an immediate thought for his friend: “This one is for Anthoine,” he says. A historic moment for his career but tinged with great sadness.

8. 2022: Verstappen’s demonstration

The 2022 Grand Prix perfectly illustrates the Max Verstappen-Red Bull domination. Penalized on the grid for an engine change, the Dutchman starts from the 14th position.

From the first laps, Verstappen begins an impressive comeback. He overtakes his opponents with disconcerting ease in the fast sections of the circuit.

On the 12th lap, he took the lead by overtaking his teammate Sergio Pérez. He then soared to a clear victory, demonstrating the superiority of his car and his talent on a track that suits him perfectly.

For decades, Spa-Francorchamps has continued to reveal talents and create legends. This unique circuit has witnessed the birth of careers, the breaking of records, and the writing of some of Formula 1’s most beautiful pages. This weekend, history takes its course again in the Belgian Ardennes. What new moment will remain etched in memories? Tune in on Sunday to find out.