Max Verstappen won the sprint race of the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday. The Dutchman, who started second, held off Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris with their faster McLarens in the fifteen-lap race.
It is Verstappen’s first victory since his win in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in mid-May. In the first weekend since the departure of team boss Christian Horner, it was a welcome success for Red Bull. For his successor Laurent Mekies, there was immediately something to celebrate. The Frenchman complimented Verstappen on his performance: “Very well done Max”.
Behind Piastri and Norris, Charles Leclerc finished fourth with the Ferrari, ahead of Esteban Ocon with the Haas. Carlos Sainz took sixth place for Williams. Oliver Bearman completed a good day for Haas with seventh place. The last point was for Isack Hadjar in the Racing Bull.
It has little impact on the World Championship standings, Verstappen only reduced his now 63-point deficit to Piastri by one point. Piastri himself did gain another point on his title rival and teammate Norris.
Verstappen Immediately Strikes on Kemmel Straight After Start
Verstappen already dove to the outside of Piastri, who started from the sprint pole, after the start, but couldn’t attack in the La Source hairpin. After following the Australian through Eau Rouge and Radillion, he was able to successfully pass the McLaren at the end of the Kemmel straight.
Leclerc did the same to Norris, but the Brit quickly corrected that. Piastri had much more trouble regaining the lead from Verstappen. The World Championship leader did get closer and closer on the long straight thanks to DRS, but not close enough.
The high top speed of the Red Bull proved to be a useful weapon for Verstappen, which ultimately brought him victory. It was also a boost for the driver from Limburg that his tires held up well throughout the race against the stronger McLaren in that regard.