Five moments that defined the chaos of Spa-Francorchamps

Spa-Francorchamps is a cathedral of speed, but it is also a place where sanity often goes to die. As we prepare for this weekend, it is worth remembering that this legendary circuit has provided some of the most shocking moments in racing history. From tactical blunders to absolute pandemonium, the Belgian Grand Prix has never been a quiet affair.

The 1987 race remains a prime example of stubbornness. Nigel Mansell, driving for Williams, held pole position but saw his lead vanish as Ayrton Senna took the initiative in his Lotus. Mansell’s attempt to reclaim the lead at the Fagnes chicane was a disaster; the two tangled and spun off, leading to a heated physical scuffle in the pits. Neither driver was willing to accept the blame, proving that pride is often as dangerous as the track itself.

Then came the absolute catastrophe of 1998. The opening lap turned into total carnage in the rain, with 13 cars caught in a pile-up that Murray Walker famously dubbed the worst start he had ever seen. The chaos didn't stop there. Michael Schumacher, leading the race for Ferrari, slammed into the back of David Coulthard’s McLaren in the thick spray. A furious Schumacher charged down the pit lane to confront the McLaren driver. In the aftermath of all that madness, it was Damon Hill who managed to steer Jordan to a maiden victory.

The 2008 event was a masterclass in tension, highlighting the brilliance of Lewis Hamilton. In his second season with McLaren, Hamilton found himself in a frantic battle with Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari. Rain on the final laps brought everything to a boiling point. Hamilton cut a chicane to avoid a crash, gave the position back, then fought his way through again. While Hamilton crossed the line first, a 25-second penalty demoted him to P3, handing the win to Felipe Massa.

Courage is rarely as visible as it was in 2011, when Mark Webber performed a spectacular overtake on Fernando Alonso. After a poor start left his Red Bull in anti-stall, Webber fought back through the field. He drew alongside the Ferrari at the bottom of Eau Rouge and held his nerve, clinging to the track as they climbed the hill together. It was a beautiful, daring move that secured him a P2 finish.