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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Oscar Piastri claimed his sixth win of the season at a rain-hit Belgian Grand Prix, holding off team-mate and championship rival Lando Norris in a tense McLaren 1-2 finish at Spa-Francorchamps.
The Australian’s victory stretched his lead in the drivers’ standings to 16 points ahead of next weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
After an 80-minute delay caused by torrential rain and a cautious rolling start behind the Safety Car, Piastri wasted no time asserting himself. On the first racing lap, he used a slipstream down the Kemmel Straight to sweep past polesitter Norris into Les Combes, echoing Max Verstappen’s decisive Sprint move the day before.
“Oscar just did a good job,” Norris admitted post-race. “He committed more through Eau Rouge and got the run. Nothing more to say.”
Tyre Strategy Decides McLaren Duel
As the track dried rapidly, Piastri and Norris opted for different tyre strategies — the race winner taking mediums, while Norris gambled on the longer-lasting hards. A delayed pit stop and slower tyre change saw Norris lose around nine seconds, setting up a late-race charge as his tyres came into their own.
But despite clawing back time, three small errors from Norris — including a wide moment at Pouhon and a lock-up into La Source on the penultimate lap — ultimately cost him the win. He crossed the line 3.4 seconds behind his teammate.
Piastri, reflecting on his tyre struggles in the closing laps, said:
“I struggled at the end. Maybe the mediums weren’t the best call, but we had it mostly under control.”
The result denied Norris a third consecutive victory and gave Piastri a much-needed rebound after a winless run in the last four races.
Verstappen Drops Points as Leclerc Shines
Behind the McLarens, Charles Leclerc delivered a composed performance to take third for Ferrari, resisting early pressure from Max Verstappen, who had started alongside him on the second row. The reigning world champion finished fourth and now sits a season-high 81 points adrift of the championship lead.
It was another frustrating weekend for Mercedes, with George Russell finishing a distant fifth, over 30 seconds behind the winners, while Lewis Hamilton, driving for Ferrari under a special agreement this season, salvaged seventh after starting 18th on the grid. His charge through the field was slowed by a resolute Alex Albon, who claimed an impressive sixth for Williams.
Elsewhere, Liam Lawson continued his strong form with eighth for Racing Bulls, while Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) rounded out the top 10.
Top 10 – Belgian Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri (McLaren), Lando Norris (McLaren), Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), Max Verstappen (Red Bull), George Russell (Mercedes), Alex Albon (Williams), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) and Pierre Gasly (Alpine).
Next Up: Hungary
Formula 1 heads to Budapest next weekend for the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final race before the summer break. Piastri carries momentum and a 16-point cushion over Norris, while Verstappen will be desperate to reignite his faltering title defence.
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