F1 | Sprint Race | Belgian GP | Verstappen claims victory after strong start - Motorsport

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Max Verstappen claimed the Sprint Race win at the 2025 F1 Belgian GP, getting Red Bull Racing’s new era off to a successful start, full report and results below.

Rain and uncertainty loomed over Spa-Francorchamps throughout the weekend, but the Belgian GP Sprint delivered clear conditions and intense battles. Oscar Piastri of McLaren started from pole position after a commanding display in Sprint Qualifying, yet it was Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing who ultimately triumphed over the 15-lap dash. In a race defined by strategic aggression and tyre management, Piastri and teammate Lando Norris ensured McLaren remained firmly in the spotlight with a double podium, while Charles Leclerc, Esteban Ocon, and a mix of experienced names and rising talents completed a closely fought top eight.

Sprint grid and pre-race developments

Oscar Piastri of McLaren started the 2025 F1 Belgian GP Sprint from pole position after delivering a dominant final lap in SQ3. He finished nearly half a second ahead of Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, who joined him on the front row. Lando Norris of McLaren secured third place, completing a strong qualifying performance for the Woking-based team.

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari lined up fourth, ahead of Esteban Ocon of Haas in fifth. Carlos Sainz, representing Williams, qualified sixth, while Haas’ Oliver Bearman claimed seventh. Pierre Gasly of Alpine secured eighth position, followed by Isack Hadjar of Racing Bulls in ninth. Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber completed the top ten.

Just outside the top ten, Liam Lawson of Racing Bulls and Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull qualified 11th and 12th respectively. George Russell of Mercedes took 13th after a challenging SQ2. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll occupied 14th and 15th respectively. Alex Albon of Williams qualified 16th, with Nico Hülkenberg of Sauber in 17th. Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari started 18th after spinning at the Bus Stop chicane during his final SQ1 run. Kimi Antonelli, a rookie with Mercedes, qualified 19th following an early off at Stavelot that hampered his session.

Initially, Franco Colapinto of Alpine qualified 19th. However, he was required to start the Sprint from the pit lane due to a change in rear wing specification made under parc fermé without the approval of the FIA Technical Delegate. This breached Article 40.9 of the Sporting Regulations.

Formation lap and grid adjustments

Shortly before the start, Alpine confirmed that Pierre Gasly would not take part in the Sprint due to a suspected water leak that prevented him from leaving the pit lane. As a result, nineteen drivers completed an uneventful formation lap and lined up on the grid. All drivers, with the exception of Colapinto, started on medium compound tyres.

Lights out and early race action

At lights out, Oscar Piastri launched perfectly from pole position. Max Verstappen, however, immediately applied pressure and ultimately claimed the lead at La Source with a bold move under braking. Behind them, Charles Leclerc overtook Lando Norris to move into third position. Although Piastri activated DRS on Lap 2, he remained unable to reclaim the lead from Verstappen. He continued to apply pressure, staying within range to capitalise on any potential mistake.

Meanwhile, Esteban Ocon retained fifth place ahead of Carlos Sainz in sixth and teammate Oliver Bearman in seventh. With Gasly out of the race, Isack Hadjar moved into eighth, followed by Gabriel Bortoleto and Liam Lawson in ninth and tenth respectively.

Mid-race developments

On Lap 4, Norris reclaimed third position from Leclerc, as the Ferrari SF-25 struggled to match the pace of the McLaren MCL39. Most drivers maintained position and built small gaps ahead and behind. Nonetheless, Piastri stayed within DRS range of Verstappen, maintaining consistent pressure.

Further back, Kimi Antonelli improved to 17th by Lap 5, overtaking Nico Hülkenberg. By Lap 7, Antonelli began closing in on Lewis Hamilton for 16th place. At the same time, Hamilton reported over team radio that he had no rear grip available, suggesting ongoing handling issues with the car.

Closing laps and final battles

As Leclerc began to lose ground, the fight for the lead evolved into a three-way battle. Norris steadily closed the gap to his teammate Piastri, while the latter continued to push Verstappen. Simultaneously, George Russell made progress by reducing the gap to Yuki Tsunoda. By Lap 10, he was within half a second, though he remained unable to pass.

In the final laps, Verstappen withstood the pressure and maintained his lead. Piastri continued to pursue the Red Bull driver but ultimately could not find a way through. Norris, meanwhile, remained in third without making further inroads on his teammate.

After 15 laps of clean and competitive racing, Max Verstappen claimed victory in the Belgian GP Sprint. Oscar Piastri secured second place, completing an impressive drive from pole. Lando Norris finished third, sealing a double podium result for McLaren.

Charles Leclerc ended the race in fourth after an early battle for the podium. Esteban Ocon maintained fifth, followed by Carlos Sainz in sixth. Oliver Bearman took seventh, while Isack Hadjar claimed the final point in eighth place.