Hamilton tops Belgian GP final practice after edging past Rosberg

The defending Formula One champion won his 10th pole of the season by leaving Rosberg almost half a second behind in qualifying.

“An fantastic weekend”, Hamilton said.

“I thought I would end up in the wall and, to be honest, it was pure luck that I didn’t”.

His 80th podium finish equalled the mark of the late Ayrton Senna. Rosberg has 36, level with two-time champion Graham Hill.

Hamilton dominated proceedings at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps from pole position, cruising to his sixth win of the season to extend his lead at the top of the drivers’ championship. Hamilton was forced to retire following the damage he sustained in the incident, while Rosberg eventually crossed the line in second place. So I am just happy with today. I tried to give it everything, but it was not enough. That’s only the fourth time in the Woking team’s history – and the first time since 1998 – that they’ve failed to get either auto into the points at Spa, a track on which they’ve recorded 12 wins, including their very first in 1968. “Nico had good pace but I was able to answer most of the time, so I was fairly relaxed at the front”. “Nico was very close but my last two laps were the best I’ve had all weekend”.

“Great job, thanks so much for everything guys”, he said on his 39th career victory.

Lewis Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg remained concerned about the safety of their Pirelli tyres on Saturday despite statements by the Italian suppliers that is nothing to worry about.

On Lap 32, Ferrari told Vettel over team radio that the tires looked “pretty good to go to the end”.

“It was a bit scary being behind”, Grosjean said. Ferrari’s Vettel remains in third, with the gap between him and Rosberg continuing to widen.

Rosberg’s hopes of reigniting his title challenge may have deflated in the wake of Hamilton’s stunning performance.

Speaking to David Coulthard after the race, Grosjean continued to express the happiness team Lotus had immediately following his win, saying it had been an “incredible, incredible weekend”. He was banned for one race after being blamed for causing a multi-car crash at the start of the Belgian Grand Prix in 2012. Lotus driver Romain Grosjean is also set to be demoted five places following a gearbox change. Perez, in his Mercedes-powered Force India, drew alongside Rosberg on the Kemmel Straight, but just as his team-mate did on the opening lap the German held position.

Valtteri Bottas was third in his Williams for his best result in qualifying this season.