Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc has registered the maiden win of his Formula One career after romping to victory at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Less than 24 hours after Leclerc’s French motor racing contemporary, Anthoine Hubert, was killed at the Spa-Francorchamps venue, the young Monegasque driver delivered a dominant display to take the chequered flag in his friend’s honour on Sunday.

“This one is for Anthoine,” said an emotional Leclerc on the radio.

“It feels good but it is difficult to enjoy a weekend like this. On one hand I have realised a dream, but on the other hand it has been a difficult weekend.

“I have lost a friend, so I would like to dedicate my win to him. We have grown up together. It is a shame what happened yesterday, so I cannot enjoy my first victory.”

Lewis Hamilton finished second after fighting his way past Sebastian Vettel with 12 laps remaining.

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas also managed to see off Vettel after the Ferrari driver was forced to make an additional stop for tyres.

Hamilton extended his lead over Bottas in the championship to 65 points.

Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo finished way back in 14th place.