Verstappen Secures Victory in Belgium Sprint
Max Verstappen fended off a faster Oscar Piastri to claim victory in the Belgian sprint, taking the lead on the first lap.
Dynamic Start
Piastri launched well and initially created a gap exiting La Source, leading into the straight down Eau Rouge and the Kemmel Straight. However, Verstappen’s Red Bull car was optimized for top speed, allowing him to overtake Piastri as they approached Les Combes.
Strategic Moves
While Piastri defended the inside line, Verstappen was able to sweep past on the outside, seizing the lead. The championship leader closely followed Verstappen’s car throughout the lap, ensuring he had access to DRS for the second lap, but still couldn’t close the gap on the faster Red Bull.
Piastri’s Challenge
Piastri’s race was marked by frustration; Verstappen’s strong exit from La Source meant the Australian couldn’t capitalize on the DRS zone at Les Combes—the prime overtaking location on the circuit.
Consistent Racing
Verstappen maintained his lead throughout all 15 laps, finishing with a defensive win of 0.753 seconds. He remarked on the significance of the moment: “It worked out really well. That’s the only real opportunity you’re going to get against them, and we got it.”
Piastri Reflects
Despite acknowledging his car’s lack of straight-line speed, Piastri felt content with his performance. He noted, “Still a good result, still good points. It’s only the sprint. The main points are tomorrow.”
Other Race Highlights
Lando Norris finished third, just 0.661 seconds behind Piastri, following a first-lap battle where he lost position to Charles Leclerc. Leclerc eventually ended up in fourth, ahead of Esteban Ocon in fifth. Carlos Sainz, Oliver Bearman, and Isack Hadjar rounded out the point scorers, while several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, faced more challenging outcomes.
