P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Belgian GP was the most entertaining four-way fight for victory yet in 2024. But who extracted the maximum just to be in that scrap, and who should really have done more? That plays a crucial role in determining Edd Straw’s F1 driver rankings at Spa
The 2024 Belgian Grand Prix showcased a thrilling battle among Formula 1’s new ‘big four’, despite fewer overtakes. Edd Straw evaluated the drivers’ performances at Spa to determine rankings based on various criteria, such as pace, racecraft, and consistency, not just overall qualities. Each driver’s ability to maximize the car’s potential played a key role in the rankings, reflecting their performance throughout the weekend. Factors like qualifying, race strategy, and luck outside a driver’s control significantly influence these rankings, which fluctuate from race to race.
Charles Leclerc impressively extracted the maximum from his Ferrari, finishing third after starting first and overcoming the car’s limitations. Lewis Hamilton excelled with a strong qualifying performance and strategic moves, securing a first-place finish at Spa. Despite starting 11th due to an engine penalty, Max Verstappen mitigated the damage and finished fourth through brilliant driving and strategic decisions. Fernando Alonso showcased his regained form at Spa, finishing eighth with the improved Aston Martin, notably taking ‘Class B’ pole position.
