Belgian Grand Prix 1998 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Damon Hill claimed an emotional victory at Spa-Francorchamps in one of the most dramatic races in Formula 1 history. The race began in torrential rain, and at the La Source hairpin on the first lap, David Coulthard's slowing McLaren triggered a massive 13-car pileup that eliminated half the field. Pole-sitter Häkkinen was among those caught up in the chaos after rear-ending Coulthard, ending his race immediately. After the restart, Hill drove brilliantly to win for Jordan-Mugen Honda, their first-ever victory, with teammate Ralf Schumacher making it a Jordan one-two. Jean Alesi finished third for Sauber.

The first-lap carnage shocked the paddock and dramatically altered the championship standings. Häkkinen's retirement while Michael Schumacher was also eliminated in the incident meant neither championship contender scored points, though Häkkinen's cushion meant he still led comfortably. Hill's victory was a fairytale moment for Jordan and the 1996 World Champion, proving he could still win races. The race's aftermath saw Schumacher confront Coulthard in the McLaren garage, furiously accusing the Scot of trying to kill him after plowing into the back of the slowing McLaren in the spray.