Championship leader Oscar Piastri delivered a masterclass in composure and tyre management to claim a crucial victory at the rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix, holding off McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris in a tense finish at Spa-Francorchamps, MySportDab Reports.
The 24-year-old Australian, who started second, capitalized on Norris’ lack of early race pace to snatch the lead on lap one at Les Combes and never looked back.
Despite tyre degradation concerns in the closing laps, Piastri managed to stay ahead and crossed the line 3.415 seconds clear of Norris, who had started on pole.
It was Piastri’s first win at Spa, his sixth of the season, and eighth overall in Formula 1, extending his lead in the drivers’ standings to 16 points after 13 races.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen to take third place, with George Russell finishing fifth for Mercedes.
Williams’ Alex Albon came in sixth ahead of Lewis Hamilton, who impressively climbed from a pitlane start to finish seventh. Rookie Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Gabriel Botoleto (Sauber), and Pierre Gasly (Alpine) rounded out the top ten.
The race began after an 80-minute delay due to heavy rain, with the field starting on intermediates behind a safety car. McLaren’s strategy and execution once again proved flawless as they secured a sixth 1-2 finish this season.
“That was lively!” Piastri said post-race. “I knew lap one was my best chance, and we managed it well from there.”
Norris conceded: “Oscar just did a good job. He deserved the win.”
Leclerc added, “I’m happy to keep third with Max right behind me the whole race.”
McLaren’s 10th win of the season underlines their dominance in 2025.
