WATCH: Relive the best of the action from a true Spa thriller – the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix
The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps is known for producing some of the more memorable races in Formula 1’s history, but there is perhaps none more famous than the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix. And as we get set to go racing again this weekend in Belgium, we decided to go through the archives to relive the action from that Sunday in 1998.
In one of the most dramatic scenes from that race weekend, David Coulthard’s collision with the barrier at the start caused an almighty pile up that saw a number of drivers crash into each other due to poor visibility and cold tyres, forcing the race to be red flagged.
And at the resulting restart, pole-sitter and championship leader Mika Hakkinen was battling Michael Schumacher at Turn 1, before spinning on track, only to be hit by the Sauber of Johnny Herbert, ruling both drivers out of the Grand Prix.
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Schumacher later overtook Jordan’s Damon Hill for the lead and was sitting comfortably in front when he attempted to lap Coulthard, now in the spare McLaren. Unfortunately for the Ferrari driver, he hit the back of the Scot’s car, causing him to DNF and leading to one of the most frenzied pit lane scenes in F1 history, as the Schumacher went to have it out with his McLaren rival.
This promoted Hill back into the lead, followed by his team mate Ralf Schumacher and pair held position for the rest of the race, bringing home a memorable one-two for Jordan – the first ever victory for the team.
Click on the video player above to relive all the incredible action from that unforgettable race weekend.
