Max Verstappen powered to victory in the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Race at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, fending off a fierce challenge from McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. The 15-lap dash marked a significant moment for Red Bull, as the team navigates a new era following the departure of long-time Team Principal Christian Horner. Verstappen’s win, his first Sprint victory of the season, showcased his relentless drive and reaffirmed his status as a formidable force in Formula 1.
Starting from second on the grid after being outpaced by Piastri in Sprint Qualifying, Verstappen wasted no time asserting his dominance. Capitalizing on Red Bull’s superior straight-line speed, he executed a bold move down the Kemmel Straight on the opening lap, slipstreaming past Piastri and seizing the lead under braking at Les Combes. From there, the four-time World Champion managed his pace masterfully, keeping the championship-leading McLaren duo at bay despite their relentless pressure. Piastri, who started from pole after a scintillating 1m 40.510s lap in Qualifying, remained within DRS range for much of the race but couldn’t find a way past Verstappen’s resolute defense.
“It was a tough one out there,” Verstappen said post-race. “The car felt strong, especially in the first sector, but Oscar was pushing hard, and I had to stay focused. We had some braking issues towards the end, but we managed to hold it together. It’s a good way to start the weekend.” His comments reflected both relief and confidence as Red Bull begins life under new Team Principal Laurent Mekies, who took over after Horner’s exit earlier this month.
Piastri, who extended his Drivers’ Championship lead over teammate Norris to nine points, was gracious in defeat. “I think we had the pace, but Max was just too strong on the straights today,” the Australian admitted. “It’s a long weekend, and we’ll come back stronger for the Grand Prix.” Norris, finishing third, echoed his teammate’s sentiment, noting, “We’ve got some things to work on, but P3 is solid points, and we’re still in a great position.”
The Sprint Race unfolded under cloudy skies, with the threat of rain looming but never materializing, allowing for a clean and intense battle at the front. Verstappen’s ability to maintain his lead was tested in the closing laps, as Piastri closed the gap to under a second. However, the Dutchman’s precise driving through Spa’s challenging corners, particularly the high-speed Eau Rouge and Raidillon, ensured he crossed the line 1.2 seconds ahead of Piastri, with Norris a further half-second back.
Behind the leading trio, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured fourth, capitalizing on a strong start to keep pace with the front-runners. Haas enjoyed a standout performance, with Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman finishing fifth and seventh, respectively, sandwiching Williams’ Carlos Sainz. The midfield battle was fierce, with Alpine’s Gabriel Bortoleto and Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar rounding out the points-paying positions.
Verstappen’s victory comes at a pivotal moment for Red Bull, who have faced scrutiny amid off-track changes and speculation about the Dutchman’s future with the team. His performance in the Sprint, coupled with a surprise pole in Japan earlier this season, suggests Red Bull is regaining its competitive edge despite trailing McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship. The result also sets the stage for an intriguing Grand Prix on Sunday, where Verstappen faces a challenge starting from 11th due to a grid penalty for exceeding engine component limits.