Max Verstappen comes from starting 14th to win Belgian Grand Prix

However, Verstappen produced excellent attacking driving to force his way through the field, showing the speed and driving quality to win the race for the second consecutive year.

The win is Verstappen’s ninth Grand Prix win of the season, meaning the defending champion extends his lead atop the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship to 92 points. Perez moved into second place in the table, overtaking Charles Leclerc, who could only finish fifth.

After the race, Verstappen praised the hard work of the entire Red Bull team, as well as the prospect of his home race, the Dutch Grand Prix, which will take place next week.

“It was a really hectic first lap, to avoid trouble, but after the safety car the car was on track,” explained Verstappen.

“After that, once we were in the lead, it was pretty much about managing everything. The whole weekend was amazing. It was a weekend that I couldn’t imagine – I’m going to enjoy it. ‘today and next week, let’s see what we can do.’

No loss of confidence

Starting 14th was no problem for Verstappen.

Even before the race, despite so many cars ahead of him, the 24-year-old never lost faith in his chances of a podium finish. “I think with the pace we have in the car I want to move forward and I want to be on the podium at least,” he said before the race.

Under the Belgian sun, from the first lap, he showed why his confidence was not misplaced. By the seventh lap, he had already moved up to fifth.

And after the first round of pit stops, Verstappen had the lead and looked comfortable from there, barely having to fend off any challengers throughout.

“Amazing Sunday guys, the car has been a rocket all weekend,” Verstappen said on his team radio after crossing the finish line.

Elsewhere, it was another afternoon of struggles for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who crashed out of the race on the opening lap after colliding with Fernando Alonso.

Speaking to Sky Sports during the race, Hamilton said he took responsibility for the crash.

“Looking back he was in my blind spot, I didn’t give him enough space. It’s my fault,” the 37-year-old said.

“I couldn’t see it. I’m sorry for the team and I need to recover and get back on the treadmill.”