Belgian Sprint race report: Verstappen holds off charging McLarens for Sprint win

Written by Elaina Russell

Max Verstappen celebrates Sprint win at Spa | Credit: Formula One

Max Verstappen claimed his first Sprint victory of the season this Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps, fending off a relentless pressure from both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

While Piastri led off the line from pole, the Dutchman wasted no time putting his Red Bull in the slipstream down Kemmel Straight–snatching the lead going into Turn 5 with what has become a trademark Spa overtake. From that point on, the trio remained within touching distance for all 12 laps. 

“It worked out really well,” Verstappen said. “That is the only real opportunity that you’re going to get against them, and we got it into Turn 5…The whole race was within seven tenths. I couldn’t afford to make big mistakes.”

Piastri, who had earned Sprint pole with a commanding lap on Friday kept the pressure on, staying within drag reduction system (DRS) range for the entire stint. But despite multiple looks, including a bold attempt around the outside late in the race, the McLaren driver couldn’t find a way through.

“Still a good result, still good points,” Piastri reflected. “It is only the Sprint and the main points are tomorrow. I’m pretty happy with it, just obviously a bit frustrating that I couldn’t get past.”

Norris, too, had a strong launch but lost a place to the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc on Lap 1. The Briton reclaimed third mid-race and closed the gap to the leaders but ultimately found himself stuck in the same DRS train.

“Max drove a good race and I wasn't going to get past anyone unless Oscar got past Max,” Norris admitted. “Maybe some tweaks for us to make into Sunday. We’ll reassess and see what we can do.”

Notable Performances and Problems

Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman following a solid Sprint at Spa | Credit: Formula One

Charles Leclerc briefly ran third after capitalising on Norris at the start, but ultimately couldn’t match the pace of the McLarens once they hit their stride. Still, P4 is a much-needed boost for the Monegasque after a difficult British GP. 

Esteban Ocon continued his strong Spa form, finishing fifth and leading the Haas charge. Rookie teammate Ollie Bearman also held firm in a scrappy midfield to collect more valuable points in P7.

Isack Hadjar brought home the final point for Racing Bulls, a welcome result after both cars retired in Silverstone.

Further down, Mercedes’ woes continued. George Russell ended 12th, citing potential damage from the earlier qualifying session, while Lewis Hamilton finished 15th after a similarly troubled session. Rookie Kimi Antonelli managed only 17th in another tough outing for the Brackley team.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly failed to take the start due to a water system issue, with teammate Franco Colapinto forced to start from the pit lane after a rear wing change under parc fermé conditions. He finished last of the runners.

What's Next?

All eyes now turn to Sunday’s main race, where Red Bull and Ferrari will no doubt be pushing to reverse the momentum. Conversely, McLaren will be looking to convert their Sprint pace into another win.

Norris, coming off wins in Austria and Britain, still has his eyes on the bigger prize.

“That’s the plan,” he said. “I’m not too fussed about Sprint races…I prefer to win the Grand Prix.”