Vettel ran away with the Belgian Grand Prix yesterday to stretch his overall lead to 46 points with eight races remaining. PHOTO: REUTERS
SPA FRANCORCHAMPS:
Sebastian Vettel delivered a crushing blow to his title rivals yesterday when he increased his lead in the drivers’ championship with a consummate triumph for Red Bull in the Belgian Grand Prix.
On a welcome dry afternoon at Spa Francorchamps in the Belgian Ardennes, the 26-year-old German took the lead from pole-man Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap and then pulled clear to claim his fifth win of the year and the 31st of his career, pulling him level with Briton Nigel Mansell.
The defending triple world champion came home a comfortable 16.869 seconds ahead of second-placed Spaniard Fernando Alonso of Ferrari with Hamilton third for Mercedes.
It was his fourth third-place of the year and the 54th podium finish of his career, drawing Hamilton alongside three-time champion Austrian Niki Lauda.
Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate German Nico Rosberg finished fourth ahead of Australian Mark Webber in the second Red Bull and sixth-placed Briton Jenson Button for McLaren.
Vettel’s win, his second in Belgium, lifted him to a total of 197 points while Alonso climbed back to second on 151 with Hamilton third on 139. In the constructors championship Red Bull lead with 312 points ahead of Mercedes on 235.
“Brilliant drive, fantastic performance,” said Red Bull chief Christian Horner on the team radio. “Nice one boys, nice one,” responded the winner. “This car was so nice to drive, unbelievable. Thank you guys.”
With eight races remaining, Vettel’s win was an emphatic riposte to Hamilton’s speed and recent form, and his maiden victory for Mercedes in Hungary.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 26th, 2013.
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