Belgian Grand Prix 2022 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen dominated the Belgian Grand Prix from start to finish, taking pole position, victory, and fastest lap to claim his ninth win of the season with a commanding performance at Spa-Francorchamps. The Red Bull driver led from lights to flag around the legendary 7-kilometer circuit, controlling the race despite starting from 14th on the grid due to power unit penalties. Sergio Perez secured second place for a Red Bull one-two finish, with Carlos Sainz completing the podium in third for Ferrari.

Verstappen's grid penalty for taking a new power unit meant he started from 14th position despite setting the fastest time in qualifying. However, the Dutchman carved through the field on the opening lap with stunning overtakes, reaching second place by the end of lap one. He inherited the lead when polesitter Carlos Sainz, who also had grid penalties, made his first pit stop, and from that point controlled the race with ease. The RB18's superior straight-line speed and overall pace were perfectly suited to Spa's long straights and high-speed corners.

The race featured multiple drivers starting out of position due to power unit penalties, creating an unusual grid. Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon also took penalties, joining Verstappen and Sainz in starting from the back. Fernando Alonso started from second on the effective grid but was unable to challenge for victory. Verstappen's dominant performance extended his championship lead to 93 points over Leclerc, with just nine races remaining. The victory at Spa, one of F1's most prestigious circuits, demonstrated Red Bull's total superiority in the second half of the season as they marched toward both championships.