Oscar Piastri Wins The Belgian Grand Prix, Ahead Of Title-Rival Lando Norris & Charles Leclerc
Oscar Piastri won the Belgian Grand Prix. In the race delayed by rain, the Australian driver won ahead of teammate and title rival Lando Norris. McLaren’s triumph in Belgium also positions them more than 80 points ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who finished P4.
Ferrari also had a good race weekend with Charles Leclerc finishing P3 and Lewis Hamilton having a good recovery drive to P7 after starting P16. The 7-time world champion suffered a Q1 elimination due to a track limits violation at the famous Radillion corner.
Race Start
Race officials red-flagged the race after the initial formation lap commenced. Heavy rain delayed the race at Spa Francorchamps by 1 hour and 20 minutes. Later, Piastri criticised the stewards’ decision to implement a rolling start, as it would rob him of an overtaking opportunity into turn 1.
However, the Australian driver took advantage of the slipstream from polesitter Norris through the Eau Rouge section and overtook him. The rest of the race was managed well as Piastri pitted on lap 12 to switch from the Intermediate to Medium compound tyres.
Mclaren
Oscar Piastri finished the race 3.415 seconds ahead of Norris as the British driver tried to put pressure on the eventual race winner. This brings the gap to 16 points between the drivers.
Max Verstappen finished P4 after winning the sprint race on Saturday. Notably, this is the first race weekend after former team principal Christian Horner was replaced by Lauren Mekies.
Top 10
George Russell finished a P5, showing strong pace throughout the race. Alex Albon finished a monumental P6, holding off Hamilton till the end of the race. Liam Lawson finished P8, demonstrating the capabilities of the Racing Bulls.
Gabriele Bortoleto finished P9, recording his second points finish and proving well against the experienced teammate Nico Hulkenberg. Pierre Gasly rounded the top 10, finishing in the final points position in the Alpine.
