BELG-GLUM LEWIS IS LAST HAM STANDING

WORLD champion Lewis Hamilton faces a back-to-front challenge to hang on to his lead in his battle for a fourth Formula One title.

He starts last of 22 drivers and is confronted with a massive challenge to catch his Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg – yesterday’s pole sitter – and teenage sensation Max Verstappen, the youngest-ever front-row qualifier.

Hammy’s nightmare rearguard action was forced on TED MACAULEY him when he was penalised and relegated to the back row of the grid after a series of engine changes. And to save unnecessary wear and tear for today’s 19-mile clash he staged only one lap in qualifying around the spectator-packed 4.3-mile circuit. But he has given up on his chances of adding to his run of six wins from the last seven races. And he is hellbent on fighting back against the odds for a repeat of last season’s win from pole on his favourite Spa circuit. “It is going to be tough,” said the Brit, 31, a winner 49 times. But I want to finish as high up as I can and I will be giving it everything I’ve got. “I want at least to get in the points but if there is the slightest chance of a podium place I shall be in there.” Rosberg, 19 points adrift of Hamilton (left) and looking for a 20th victory, said: “I was off the pace early on but we made a few changes and we managed to get the job done when it most mattered. “I know Lewis will still be really going for it even from the back and he is always strong when he is up against it.” But if there is a threat to Rosberg it comes from Verstappen, 18, who outpaced ex-champions and Ferrari aces Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel and qualified his Red Bull in second place.