Max Verstappen produced a defensive masterclass to win the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race on Saturday, pipping Oscar Piastri after a lap-one move. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton both endured frustrating outings after Friday’s qualifying left them way down the order.
Piastri managed the first couple of corners to perfection, holding off the threat of Verstappen at La Source and stretching out a significant advantage by the time the cars emerged over the crest of Raidillon. However, the RB21’s skinny rear wing allowed the reigning world champion to whittle away Piastri’s hard-earned advantage and swoop around the outside of Turn Seven to take the lead. Behind him, Norris was overtaken by Charles Leclerc, who executed a bold move in Verstappen’s wake.
For the next 10 laps, Piastri waited patiently in the DRS range of the race leader but struggled to close the gap. That was until lap 11, when Verstappen went deep at the final chicane. This compromised his start to the following lap.
However, despite a half-hearted look to the inside at Turn Seven, Piastri was unable to make a move stick, and Verstappen retained the lead. Behind the two leaders, Norris closed to within DRS range of his team-mate, but was unable to seriously challenge the Australian.