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6d ago

Verstappen Claims Spa Sprint, Norris Secures Belgian GP Pole

Red Bull’s debut under Laurent Mekies featured Verstappen’s sprint victory overshadowed by McLaren’s front-row lockout that intensifies the title fight.

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Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the sprint race REUTERS/Yves Herman
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen poses with a trophy after winning the sprint race alongside second place McLaren's Oscar Piastri and third place McLaren's Lando Norris REUTERS/Yves Herman
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 26, 2025 Red Bull's Max Verstappen celebrates winning the sprint race REUTERS/Yves Herman

Overview

  • Red Bull’s first race with principal Laurent Mekies ended in a sprint win for Max Verstappen, marking the team’s debut without Christian Horner at the helm.
  • Verstappen overtook polesitter Oscar Piastri into Les Combes on lap one and held him off to win the 15-lap sprint by 0.753 seconds.
  • McLaren locked out the front row as Lando Norris edged teammate Oscar Piastri by 0.085 seconds with a 1m40.562s qualifying lap for pole.
  • Oscar Piastri extends his championship lead to nine points over Norris, with Verstappen third in the standings following sprint and qualifying sessions.
  • Lewis Hamilton had his best Q1 lap deleted for exceeding track limits and will start Sunday’s Grand Prix from 16th place.