After going into administration during the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Force India arrived in Belgium under new ownership.

[5] McLaren reserve driver Lando Norris made his first appearance at a Grand Prix weekend, replacing Fernando Alonso during the first practice session.

[7] The race featured a first lap crash involving Fernando Alonso, Nico Hülkenberg, and Charles Leclerc.

Hülkenberg misjudged his braking before ramming into the back of Alonso, before flying over Leclerc's car and landing on the halo.

Hamilton tried to repass at the end of the straight, as did the two Racing Point cars of Esteban Ocon and Sergio Pérez, and they were four abreast in the braking zone, with Vettel staying ahead.