The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps has been the backdrop for some of F1's most dramatic incidents. From collisions and daring overtakes to controversial penalties, these moments have become etched in racing history.
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, a staple in the Formula 1 calendar, has seen its fair share of unforgettable moments. As drivers prepare to tackle its challenging layout yet again, let's revisit five of the most dramatic incidents that have unfolded at this iconic venue.
The 1987 Grand Prix saw Nigel Mansell of Williams claiming pole position, fully intent on extending his lead in the Drivers' Championship. However, the race was marred by a series of crashes further down the field, creating chaos and delaying the action. Amidst this, Ayrton Senna seized his chance, overtaking Mansell as the race resumed. Not one to back down, Mansell attempted a bold move around the outside of Senna at the Fagnes corner. The result? Both cars touched, spinning out in a synchronized dance off the track. Senna retired on the spot, while Mansell managed to limp back to the pits, only to eventually retire. The pair's disagreement continued off the track, with neither driver willing to accept blame for the incident.
Describing the start of the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix as chaotic would be an understatement. Despite torrential rain and poor visibility, the race began as scheduled. Mika Hakkinen maintained his lead, but teammate David Coulthard soon found himself facing the wrong way, setting off a chain reaction that involved 13 cars. Commentator Murray Walker famously dubbed it "the worst start to a Grand Prix I have ever seen." The drama didn't end there. Michael Schumacher, leading after Hakkinen's spin, collided with Coulthard while attempting to lap him. This collision cost Schumacher his wheel and McLaren's rear wing, and the German driver was visibly furious, confronting Coulthard in the pits. Amidst the chaos, Damon Hill clinched a surprise victory for Jordan.
Lewis Hamilton, known for his prowess in wet conditions, was at the center of controversy in 2008. After losing the lead to Kimi Raikkonen, Hamilton clawed back as rain began to fall. He overtook Raikkonen at the Bus Stop chicane but ceded the position, only to regain it at La Source. A collision with Raikkonen saw the Finn crash out, seemingly handing the win to Hamilton. However, a 25-second penalty for cutting the chicane demoted him to third, gifting victory to Felipe Massa.
Mark Webber's 2011 race started poorly as his Red Bull went into anti-stall. Undeterred, Webber charged through the field, eventually challenging Fernando Alonso. Approaching Eau Rouge, Webber executed a remarkable overtake on Alonso, clinging to the track's edge as he surged ahead. This daring move helped him secure second place, while Alonso missed the podium.
The 2012 race nearly mirrored the 1998 chaos. Kamui Kobayashi's brakes were smoking on the grid, but the real trouble came from Romain Grosjean, who collided with Lewis Hamilton, triggering a massive pile-up. Grosjean's car flew over others, including Alonso's, and took out several competitors. This earned Grosjean a one-race ban and a fine. Sebastian Vettel capitalized on the incident to win, cutting Fernando Alonso's championship lead to 24 points — a gap that would prove crucial as the season unfolded.
These moments at Spa-Francorchamps highlight the track's reputation for delivering high drama and unpredictability, making it a perennial favorite for fans and drivers alike.