1998 Belgian Grand Prix
Hill's Jordan 1–2 in the wet at Spa
The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix (formally the LVI Foster's Belgian Grand Prix) was a Formula One motor race held on 30 August 1998 at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps; it was the thirteenth race of the 1998 FIA Formula One World Championship.
- Circuit
- Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps
- Date
- August 30, 1998
- Winner
- David Coulthard (McLaren)
- Key Rivalry
- Schumacher vs. Häkkinen/Coulthard
- Championship Context
- Mid-season title decider moment
Lore & Background
The race ran entirely in extremely wet weather. At the start, David Coulthard lost control of his McLaren, causing a multiple collision involving thirteen drivers, which led to the race being stopped. After a delay, a second start saw championship leader Mika Häkkinen spin his McLaren at the first corner and retire after being hit by Johnny Herbert. Damon Hill took the lead but was overtaken by Michael Schumacher. On lap 24, Schumacher, while lapping Coulthard, hit the back of the McLaren due to spray and retired. Hill inherited the lead, and team orders ensured a Jordan 1–2 finish, with Hill winning and Ralf Schumacher second. Jean Alesi finished third for Sauber.
In Their Own Story
The rain hammered against the visor, blurring the world into streaks of grey and green. David felt the car slide, the tires screaming for grip on the wet tarmac of Eau Rouge. Ahead, the red Ferrari was a ghost in the mist, weaving dangerously. As they approached the final corner, the gap vanished. A lunge from Schumacher pushed Coulthard wide, the wheels kissing the gravel. For a heartbeat, David thought it was over, but the McLaren's resilience held. He straightened the wheel, saw the checkered flag through the spray, and realized he had survived the storm to claim victory in the most unlikely fashion.
Reader's Guide
The race was won by Damon Hill for Jordan, his first win for the team and his final Formula One victory. Ralf Schumacher finished second, and Jean Alesi third. The decisive incident occurred on lap 24 when Michael Schumacher collided with David Coulthard while lapping him. Coulthard initially retired but rejoined to finish seventh.
Did You Know?
- This was the first Formula One win for the Jordan team after 126 starts.
- Jean Alesi's third-place finish was the 32nd and last podium of his Formula One career.
- Damon Hill's win was his 22nd and final Formula One victory, and the 42nd and last podium of his career.
- The race was stopped after a first-lap pile-up involving thirteen drivers.
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