The 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps kicked off with an intense battle for the lead, as Will Stevens of the Hertz Team JOTA Cadillac V-Series.R took the top spot in the opening hour. Stevens' performance was remarkable, as he swiftly passed the pole-sitting Peugeot 9X8 and maintained a narrow lead over the Alpine A424 driven by Ferdinand Habsburg.
The race's early stages were marked by strategic maneuvers and unexpected twists. Loic Duval, leading the Hypercar field, was quickly challenged by Stevens on the Kemmel Straight, showcasing the high-octane nature of the event. The safety car period further added to the drama, as Eric Powell's Proton Competition Ford Mustang GT3 EVO briefly led the LMGT3 class before being neutralized.
As the race progressed, the top positions began to stabilize. Kevin Magnussen's Team WRT BMW M Hybrid V8 secured a strong fifth place, while the No. 36 Alpine of Fred Makowiecki ran fourth. However, the race took a turn for the worse for Earl Bamber's No. 38 JOTA Cadillac, which suffered contact with the No. 92 Manthey Porsche 911 GT3 R Evo, resulting in a puncture and a pit stop.
The LMGT3 class saw intense competition, with Tom van Rompuy's Akkodis ASP Lexus RC F GT3 reclaiming the lead after a daring pass at Eau Rouge. Ian James' Heart of Racing Aston Martin Vantage GT3 Evo ran second for much of the hour but dropped to fourth before the pit stops. Stefano Gattuso's Proton Mustang and Francois Heriau's AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo completed the top three in their respective classes.
One notable strategic move was the pit stop of Brendan Hartley's No. 8 Toyota TR010 Hybrid at the 38-minute mark, which was understood to be a routine stop but made on a strategic call. The race's opening hour showcased the skill and strategy of the drivers, with close battles and unexpected outcomes.
As the sun set on the first hour, the race had already set the stage for an exciting 6-hour endurance test, leaving spectators eagerly anticipating the next chapter of this thrilling competition.
