Belgium

Spa produced the season's most dramatic twist. In a wet, red-flag-interrupted qualifying, Leclerc took pole by two thirds of a second, then won the Feature on the road by nearly thirty seconds. But in post-race scrutineering he was disqualified for underfloor plank wear below the legal minimum; second-placed Rowland was excluded for the same infringement. PREMA argued Leclerc's wear was minimal and accidental, accentuated by the circuit's characteristics, but the exclusion stood, his second in two rounds after the Hungary shim. Markelov was promoted to the win for a RUSSIAN TIME one-two with Ghiotto, Fuoco third, Malja fourth, de Vries fifth and Sette Câmara sixth. Markelov and Rowland had earlier made contact at the Bus Stop, drawing offsetting penalties. Despite the disqualification, Leclerc retained a healthy championship lead. Sunday's Sprint went to Sette Câmara, who launched from third to the lead at the opening corners and pulled clear, with de Vries second after passing Nato early and Ghiotto third. Markelov retired with an engine problem. A safety car finish followed a heavy crash for Matsushita at Eau Rouge. Leclerc recovered from near the back to fifth, with a move at Eau Rouge along the way.