Lewis Hamilton intensified Formula One live betting once again as he closed the gap to championship leader and title rival Sebastian Vettel to just seven points with a win in the Belgian Grand Prix.
Hamilton and Mercedes went into the race with a mission, and they made sure that they accomplished it with a scintillating performance in Spa-Francorchamps that undoubtedly kept sports betting fans at the edge of their seats throughout.
It was indeed not the best demonstration of his skill for the British driver, but it was certainly the most valiant as he held his nerve against Ferrari’s Vettel who threatened to defy betting odds with a strong performance on a circuit that was expected to favour Mercedes’ cars.
Vettel remained within a second and a half behind Hamilton for the most part, and he even had a couple of chances to pass the 32-year-old.
The German ace had his first chance in the opening lap on the Kemmel Straight after making it alongside Hamilton. However, the Mercedes driver managed to stay composed and maintained a defensive line to keep his lead heading into the Les Combes corner.
After a safety car restart, Vettel tried to pass the Brit again in the same place but was denied for the second time, and Hamilton kept his lead from then on as the 30-year-old challenger could only stay behind him but not overtake.
Hamilton acknowledged how tough a race it had been and praised his rival for putting up a “fantastic fight.”
“The speed and pace they had was very strong. There was no point at which I was comfortable. Both of us were pushing for every single lap. It was like a sprint race, no room for error or the smallest mistake. There were strengths and weaknesses on both sides, we were constantly exchanging times.”
Vettel eventually finished second while Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo, who started sixth on the grid, was third but almost 11 seconds behind the leaders. Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen ended up fourth followed by Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas.
Meanwhile, it has been another forgettable night for Force India drivers Sergio Perez and Esteban Ocon after their clash prompted a safety car. The same goes for Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who failed to delight his home fans following his sixth retirement of the season.
The win marks Hamilton’s 58th career win in his 200th grand prix, a day after getting his 68th pole position that equalled Michael Schumacher’s record.
Vettel still leads the world championship with 220 points while Hamilton has 213. In the Constructor standings, Mercedes have 392 points while Ferrari have 348.
Next race is the Italian Grand Prix at Autodromo Nazionale Monza.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more motor sports betting options.
