Nico Rosberg takes pole at Belgian GP; Lewis Hamilton to start at the back

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has clinched pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of 18-year-old Dutchman Max Verstappen, while championship leader Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has clinched pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix ahead of 18-year-old Dutchman Max Verstappen, while championship leader Lewis Hamilton will start Sunday’s race from the back of the grid.

Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg has clinched pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix. (AFP Photo)

Cheered on by a large contingent of Dutch fans, Verstappen beat Sebastian Vettel’s leading time to move into contention, only for Rosberg to beat Verstappen’s mark and clinch his 28th career pole.

Kimi Raikkonen placed third, ahead of Vettel.

Rosberg, who trails Hamilton by 19 points in the title race, has a great chance to close the gap.

Hamilton’s grid penalties increased to 55 places after Mercedes had further engine changes, following those made during Friday’s practice.

With nothing to gain, Hamilton did only four laps early in qualifying before rolling into the team garage.