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Sebastian Vettel drives to victory at crash-marred 2018 Belgian Grand Prix

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium - Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel bolted pass pole-sitter Lewis Hamilton and led the race to the checkered flag to win the 2018 Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday.

The race victory marked Ferrari's first win at Spa in a decade and means the German has reduced Hamilton's lead now by by 17 points as Hamilton sit on 231 and Vettel on 214.
Today's result is Vettel's third win at Spa, his fifth of the season and the 52nd race win of his career.   

Hamilton finished P2 while Max Verstappen had a bit of a boring drive to his spot on the podium in P3.


At the front, championship leader Lewis Hamilton started from his record fifth Belgian pole in his Mercedes, but was passed by championship rival Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari who drafted past him on the Kemmel Straight to take the lead before the Safety Car was deployed.

The Belgian Grand Prix was red-flagged to a halt on the opening lap on Sunday after a spectacular first lap crash that saw Fernando Alonso and two others unable to continue.

The Safety Car was deployed immediately, but no drivers were injured after Nico Hulkenberg of Renault drove into the rear of Alonso's McLaren.

The Spaniard's car was sent spiralling into the air, narrowly clearing the cockpit of Charles Leclerc's Sauber car.

This crash triggered a multiple collision that saw damage to other cars including Daniel Ricciardo's Red Bull, who hit the rear of Kimi Raikkonen's Ferrari.

As the carnage was cleared, Alonso, Leclerc, Hulkenberg and Ricciardo were left with the most most-damaged cars.

All but the Australian were forced to retire but then lost some time in the box as mechanics had to replace some parts on his car. They managed to get him out, only to see him retire much further in the race towards the end.

The race resumed on lap five with Vettel resisting an immediate attack from Hamilton when the Safety Car pulled in.

Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas finished in P4, while Force India's Sergio Perez finished fifth and his team mate Estaban Ocon in P6.

Haas' Romain Grosjean was seventh and team mate Kevin Magnussen in P8. Pierre Gasly finished 9th for Toro Rosso and Marcus Ericsson in P10.



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