IT WAS a tiny measurement that had huge consequences for both Mercedes drivers.
For Lewis Hamilton a 105th win, his second this month, after ending a 945-day wait for a victory at Silverstone three weeks ago.
He will be even more glad for that, as this would have been an awful way to finally end that run.
That is because it came at the expense of team-mate George Russell, who had driven so masterfully.
Eyebrows were raised when Russell suggested switching to a one-stop strategy over the radio.
After all, the Spa circuit had been chewing up tyres all weekend.
But he correctly sensed that degradation was a lot lower than expected, despite the warmer temperatures.
Hamilton looked like he would roar past at the end on fresher tyres.
However, after several laps of duelling, Russell was still leading when the chequered flag flew.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 29, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 29, 2024-Ausgabe von Daily Express.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
THE ART OF WAR
Boss lauds 'ugly' derby win after sleepless nights blight build-up
CLOCK-WISE
Newcastle wake up in time to stun dominant Wolves
Vu's late burst ends brave European rally
LILIA GETS AMERICANS OVER LINE
'Miracle' Triple Layer Insoles stopped my husband's knee and foot paint!
They also turned him from a grumpy old grouch to being active, pain-free and happy again! And got my life back too!
Why teens are hooked on Friends 20 years on
The one where a new generation of fans is devoted to the hit TV show three decades after it first aired... Debbi Marco takes her children to an immersive experience bringing the iconic TV sitcom back to life
FINAL JOURNEY OF THE UNKNOWN WARRIOR
In the final extract from his impossibly moving new book, RAF veteran John Nichol reveals how the remains of ONE anonymous fallen serviceman were chosen to represent ALL of Britain's First World War missing
Space billionaire returns to Earth with a splash
THE first non-astronaut to walk in space landed back on Earth yesterday after an epic five-day trip.
'I feel I'm having one of the greatest decades of my life'
DAVINA McCall is relishing fulfilling lifelong her 50s career ambitions, scooping an MBE and finding happiness with partner Michael Douglas.
Putin hands Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles
FEARS were growing in the West last night that Russia gave Iran nuclear secrets in return for ballistic missiles to use in its bombardment of Ukraine.
William wishes Harry a happy 40th birthday
KATE and William sent greetings to Prince Harry on his 40th birthday yesterday as they followed the lead of the King.