Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc wins Formula One’s Belgian Grand Prix

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held off defending five-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to win the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday for his maiden race victory.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc of Monaco steers his car during the Belgian Formula One Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. Picture: AP Photo/Francisco Seco

Charles Leclerc just held off Lewis Hamilton to win the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position on Sunday, securing the first victory of his Formula One career and ending Ferrari’s long wait for a win.

Hamilton was within one second of Leclerc on the final lap, but the 21-year-old from Monaco held his nerve.

Race winner Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on September 01, 2019 in Spa, Belgium. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images

Leclerc dedicated it to the French driver Anthoine Hubert who died Saturday, following a heavy crash during an F2 race held on the same track. Drivers paid their respects on Sunday.

Moments after winning, Leclerc pointed to the sky and then to Hubert’s name written on the side of his car.

“This one is for Anthoine,” said an emotional Leclerc on the radio. “It feels good but it is difficult to enjoy a weekend like this. On one hand I have realised a dream, but on the other hand it has been a difficult weekend. “I have lost a friend, so I would like to dedicate my win to him. We have grown up together. It is a shame what happened yesterday, so I cannot enjoy my first victory.”

Race winner Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on September 01, 2019 in Spa, Belgium. Picture: Mark Thompson/Getty Images)\

Hamilton extended his championship lead because his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas was third, finishing ahead of Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel. Ferrari had not won since former driver Kimi Raikkonen’s victory at the US GP last October.