Hamilton claimed a dramatic finish to the third round of qualifying yesterday as he snatched the quickest lap on his final attempt.
It pushed title rival Sebastian Vettel down to second while Force India produced a stunning display to lockout the second row.
However, unlike at the Hungarian Grand Prix last time out, Hamilton will not be able to count on the support of his team-mate Valtteri Bottas as he must start from the back of the grid after reaching his maximum allowance of engine power units.
Rain wreaked havoc during Q3 yesterday which led to Hamilton claiming it was one of the most difficult sessions he has been involved in.
“That was one of the toughest qualifying sessions I can remember,” Hamilton said.
“It seems to get harder and harder all year. I don’t know if they definitely had it. It looked like (the gap was) 0.05secs and I was hopeful I could make it up.
“Then the rain came, I can’t even express how difficult it was. I went wide in Turn One, the track looks dry even though it’s wet.
“It was so hard. I went off twice but I am so glad it came together on that last lap.”
Belgian Grand Prix LIVE
1:55pm: Hamilton is expecting Vettel to shoot out of the traps come lights out.
“Vettel will have a go at the start like he did last year,” Hamilton said.
“Ferrari are quicker on the straights than us so it’s going to be tough.”
1:50pm: Toto Wolff is expecting Mercedes to go with a two-stop strategy this afternoon although he has asked his drivers to try and make the tyres last early on.
However, the Austrian was not giving any secrets away regarding when the first stop will take place, as you would expect.
1:40pm: Half an hour to go until lights out and we can finally get back underway after a four-week break.
A quick reminder of the top 10: Hamilton, Vettel, Ocon, Perez, Grosjean, Raikkonen, Verstappen, Ricciardo, Magnussen, Gasly.
1:20pm: Hello, good afternoon and welcome to Express Sport’s live blog for the Belgian Grand Prix.
It was the perfect day for Lewis Hamilton yesterday as he stole pole position from Sebastian Vettel in the final runout during Q3.
Can he turn his thrilling qualifying performance into a win at Spa-Francorchamps today? Stay with us over the next few hours to find out.
