Michael Schumacher won the 1996 Belgian Grand Prix for Ferrari despite a heavy practice crash, marking a notable mid-season result in the championship.
Key Facts
- Race winner
- Michael Schumacher (Ferrari)
- Number of laps
- 44 laps
- Race date
- 25 August 1996
- Championship round
- 13th of 1996 season
- Pole position
- Jacques Villeneuve (Williams-Renault)
- Third place
- Mika Häkkinen (McLaren-Mercedes)
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The 1996 FIA Formula One World Championship was well underway by August, with Damon Hill leading the Drivers' Championship for Williams-Renault. Michael Schumacher had survived a heavy crash during Friday practice at Spa-Francorchamps but was able to qualify in third place, setting up a competitive race.
On 25 August 1996, the 44-lap Belgian Grand Prix was held at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Schumacher drove from third on the grid to take victory for Ferrari, with pole-sitter Jacques Villeneuve finishing second and Mika Häkkinen third. Championship leader Damon Hill could only manage fifth place.
The result gave Schumacher his second win of the 1996 season and demonstrated Ferrari's growing competitiveness. Damon Hill's fifth-place finish allowed rivals to marginally close the gap in the Drivers' Championship, adding pressure in the remaining rounds of the season.