Verstappen wins in Belgium without racing a single lap

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix without racing even a single lap as half-points were awarded for only the sixth time in Formula One history.

Max Verstappen celebrates with his trophy. He is now just three points behind Lewis Hamilton in the F1 championship. - REUTERS

Red Bull's Max Verstappen won the rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday without racing even a single lap as half-points were awarded for only the sixth time in Formula One history.

After some three hours of waiting for the rain to subside, the race started from the pitlane and behind the safety car and was then stopped after completing the two laps required to award half points.

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George Russell finished second for Williams, his first Formula One podium, with seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton third for Mercedes.

Hamilton's overall lead over Verstappen was cut from eight points to three.