The 1998 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps was marred by one of the most dramatic openings in Formula One history due to heavy rain creating treacherous conditions. Just 15 seconds into the race, David Coulthard lost control of his McLaren after driving over a drain cover, crashing into the retaining wall before spinning back into the track. This initial accident triggered a massive multi-car collision barely a corner into the race, affecting nearly half of the grid and including 13 cars sustaining damage, with four forced to retire.
Massive Multi-Car Collision Halts the Race
The downpour had drivers struggling for visibility, and as cars bunched together in the first lap, the chaos intensified. Drivers at the back of the pack could not avoid crashing into others, sending debris and loose tyres flying. Due to the widespread carnage, the race was red flagged, stopping the event for nearly an hour as marshals cleared the track and teams repaired damaged cars. Despite initiating the crash, David Coulthard was able to rejoin the race once it resumed, while many others remained sidelined.
Clash Between Schumacher and Coulthard Ends Race Early
As the race restarted, Ferrari’s Michael Schumacher was leading comfortably, having skillfully avoided previous incidents. Meanwhile, Coulthard, after colliding with Benetton’s Alexander Wurz, was running near the back. When Schumacher approached Pouhon corner, Coulthard, who was on the racing line, failed to move sufficiently to let him pass. Schumacher’s Ferrari front wing collided with Coulthard’s McLaren, ending both their races prematurely. Schumacher’s visibility had been significantly compromised by spray from Coulthard’s car, contributing to the accident.
Explosive Altercation Between Schumacher and Coulthard
Following the crash, Schumacher confronted Coulthard in the McLaren garage with fury. According to Coulthard’s autobiography, Schumacher accused him by saying,
You tried to f****** kill me!
—David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver. The anger escalated to the point where Schumacher attempted to strangle Coulthard, but was restrained by Stefano Domenicali, Ferrari’s sporting director at the time. This confrontation highlighted the raw emotion and tension between the drivers after the incident.
Drama Within the Jordan Team and Schumacher Brotherhood
The initial pile-up spared the Jordan team, whose drivers Damon Hill and Ralf Schumacher were well placed to capitalize with a first and second position. This opportunity was especially significant since Jordan had not secured a win in their previous 125 races. Hill led the race but warned his team that if he and Ralf Schumacher fought aggressively for the lead, both might lose. Hill radioed the pit wall advising,
If we don’t race each other, we’ve got an opportunity to get a first and second, it’s your choice.
—Damon Hill, Jordan Driver. The team’s principal, Eddie Jordan, then instructed Ralf Schumacher to maintain position, allowing Jordan to secure a rare one-two finish. However, Michael Schumacher expressed frustration over the team orders that prevented his brother from potentially winning.
Reckoning and Reflection in the Aftermath
In the weeks following the race, Schumacher and Coulthard reconciled. Coulthard publicly accepted responsibility for the collision, admitting in 2003,
The reality is that I lifted to let him pass me, but I lifted in heavy spray on the racing line,
—David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver. Reflecting on his actions, he remarked,
You should never do that. I would never do that now.
—David Coulthard, Former F1 Driver. The intense rivalry and harsh conditions of the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix made it a memorable and controversial chapter in Formula One history.
Significance of the 1998 Belgian Grand Prix Incident
The events at Spa not only showcased the dangers of racing in extreme weather but also the volatile emotions involved among top drivers competing at the highest level. Schumacher’s near-violent reaction to the collision revealed the immense pressure and frustration of losing a likely victory under contentious circumstances. Meanwhile, the Jordan team capitalizing on the chaos underscored how unpredictable and sharply contested Formula One races can be when conditions and incidents align unexpectedly. The crash and its fallout remain a defining moment, prompting greater awareness around safety and driver conduct in motorsport.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, the number 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado actually chose #13 when the fixed numbering system started in 2014. While some cultures think 13 is unlucky, F1 allowed drivers to decide their numbers.
Q. Which F1 driver has ADHD?
A. Lewis Hamilton’s experiences with ADHD and dyslexia have influenced both his personal life and racing career. His journey challenges perceptions of success in Formula 1 and highlights the importance of appreciating learning differences.
Q. Is the number 13 banned in F1?
A. F1 driver number rules involve each driver selecting a permanent race number. They can choose any number between 2 and 99, except for 17. This number remains theirs throughout their time in Formula 1.