Controversial Disqualification: Russell Loses Belgium Grand Prix Win to Hamilton

Mercedes driver George Russell was disqualified from his Belgium Grand Prix win due to his car being underweight, promoting teammate Lewis Hamilton to first place. The decision, verified by FIA weight checks, saw all other drivers move up one place, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri finishing second and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc third.

Mercedes driver George Russell has been disqualified and lost his Belgium Grand Prix win on Sunday, after his car was found to be underweight. This disqualification promotes his teammate, Lewis Hamilton, to first place.

Initially, the car had been found compliant, but the technical delegate's report indicated that it had not been fully drained of fuel. The car was reweighed on the FIA inside and outside scales, both showing 796.5 kilogrammes, 1.5 kilogrammes below the minimum required weight. Consequently, all other drivers moved up one place in the classification.

“During the hearing, the team representatives confirmed the measurement's accuracy and all required procedures were followed correctly,” the FIA stated in their release. “The team acknowledged it was a genuine error and cited no mitigating circumstances.”

Russell had initially led Hamilton home in a Mercedes one-two after opting for a one-stop strategy. This decision means McLaren's Oscar Piastri finishes second, while Ferrari's Charles Leclerc takes third.

“We have to accept our disqualification. It's a clear mistake, and we must learn from it,” Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff commented. “Losing a one-two is frustrating, and we apologize to George, who drove a strong race.”

Hamilton, now promoted to P1, was the fastest on a two-stop strategy, claiming a deserving victory. This win marks Hamilton's fifth Belgian Grand Prix triumph, tying with Ayrton Senna and trailing Michael Schumacher by one win at Spa.

For Russell, the decision is heartbreaking, as he thought he had secured his second win of the season. “We came in 1.5kg underweight and have been disqualified from the race,” Russell posted on Instagram. “We left it all on the track today, and I take pride in crossing the line first. There will be more to come.”

Hamilton now has two wins in the last three races, becoming the only driver besides championship leader Max Verstappen to secure more than one win this season. Verstappen, who started 11th due to a grid penalty, finished fourth as his lead over McLaren's Lando Norris remains at 78 points. Piastri’s second place means McLaren now trails Red Bull by 42 points in the constructors' championship as they enter a four-week break.