Belgian GP: Piastri outfoxes Norris, Leclerc pips Verstappen for P3
F1 NewsSunday, 27 July 2025 at 17:57
McLaren driver Oscar Piastri outfoxed his teammate Lando Norris to win a wet-dry and ultra-tense Belgian Grand Prix, Round 13 of the 2025 Formula 1 World Championship, at Circuit Spa-Francochamps. A race that took nearly an hour and a half to wait for the rain to pass.
Eventually it did, and boy did the wet turn dry quickly! By the end of the afternoon, Piastri returned to the top step of the podium with a composed, tyre-managed drive at Spa-Francorchamps to win the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix ahead of Norris, as Ferreri's Charles Leclerc held off Red Bull's Max Verstappen to complete the podium.
After a delayed start due to heavy rain and multiple formation laps behind the Safety Car, the race officially began on Lap 5 with a rolling start. Norris led the field away but immediately lost the lead to Piastri on the Kemmel Straight after running slightly wide out of La Source. From there, the Australian never relinquished control.
As the track began drying rapidly, Piastri pulled a small gap over Norris in the early laps. Both McLarens started on intermediate tyres, but it was Piastri’s switch to slicks at the right moment that helped open up a race-defining advantage.
Norris stayed out one lap longer than his teammate and paid the price. Piastri, Leclerc and Verstappen all pitted on Lap 13 for medium tyres, while Norris stayed out and boxed a lap later. That misstep cost the Briton around five seconds, turning a manageable two-second deficit into a seven-second mountain to climb.
Norris chased hard but Piastri was faultless
From there, Norris tried to respond. He chipped away at the lead, dropping the gap to as little as three seconds in the closing stages. However, multiple small mistakes including a third lock-up at Turn 1 undermined his comeback attempt. Piastri, on the more fragile C3 compound, showed impressive control to nurse his tyres to the flag and finish 3.4 seconds ahead.
Of his eighth F1 career victory, his sixth of the year, Piastri said: "I knew Lap 1 would be my best chance of winning the race. I got a good exit out of Turn 1, lifted as little as I dared out of Eau Rouge.
"The rest of the race we managed really well. I struggled at the end. Maybe the mediums were not the best for the last five or six laps. We had it mostly under control. I was pretty disappointed with myself yesterday but turns out starting P2 was not as bad as I thought," added Piastri, who now leads the F1 Drivers' standings by 16 points.
The hard work, namely taking the lead was almost a replica of how Piastri lost the Sprint Race to Max Verstappen; the Australian got past Norris with an equally slick move up the Kemmel straight and into the lead through the Les Combs triple esses.
Norris: Oscar just did a good job
Piastri said of the move: "I was disappointed it was a rolling start because I thought it would take away some opportunity. I got a good exit out of Turn 1, was able to stay close and when I was that close, I knew I was going to lift just a bit less than Lando did and keep it on the track. A bit lively up over the hill, but managed to make it stick and the tow helped me out."
Less enthused than his winning teammate, Norris summed up his afternoon: "Oscar just did a good job. Nothing more to say. Committed a bit more through Eau Rouge, and had the slipstream and got the run. So nothing to complain of. He did a better job in the beginning, and that was it. Nothing more I could do after that point. I would love to be up top, but Oscar deserved it today."
It marked McLaren’s sixth one-two of the season and Piastri’s first Grand Prix win since early June. He now leads the Drivers’ Championship by 16 points heading into the summer break.
Behind the dominant McLarens, Leclerc and Verstappen fought over the final podium spot in a race-long duel. Leclerc, running the same medium tyre as Piastri, managed his pace effectively while keeping the Red Bull driver just out of DRS range.
Leclerc: I'm pretty happy we managed to keep third
Verstappen got close on multiple occasions, particularly in the final 10 laps, but Leclerc held firm and rebuffed every challenge. As tension rose, the Monegasque radioed his frustration: “Leave me alone, please… keep it constant.”
Ferrari held their nerve strategically, and Leclerc finished third, two seconds clear of Verstappen, who was left to settle for fourth. He said afterwards: "Max was behind the whole race within two seconds, so it's never easy.
"I knew the first lap of the race would be the trickiest for us because we may not have the downforce that McLaren or Max had. Luckily, it dried up pretty quickly, and then the pace was good. But Max was behind the whole race, so I'm pretty happy we managed to keep third place," added Leclerc
George Russell finished a solid fifth for Mercedes after keeping clear of trouble and maintaining a consistent pace in the midfield. His early move on Albon and efficient tyre management helped him retain position after the switch to slicks.
Hamilton, who started from the pit lane, produced a strong opening stint by passing Stroll, Colapinto, Sainz, Gasly and Hulkenberg in succession. But his race stalled once the field settled on slicks. He ran the majority of the second stint stuck behind Albon, unable to find a way past the Williams despite several DRS attempts.
Hamilton and Albon find their mojo
Albon delivered one of the drives of the day to secure sixth place. After losing out early on, he regrouped well and defended resolutely against Hamilton in the second half of the race. The Williams lacked outright pace but had the straight-line speed to keep the Ferrari at bay. Lewis was P7.
Liam Lawson was the best of the rookies, staying in the points while Racing Bulls teammate Isack Hadjar slid out of them down to P20. A strong result for the Kiwi, a poor one for the Frenchman.
Bortoleto added more points to Sauber’s tally with an assured drive to P9. He was waved through by teammate Hulkenberg on team orders mid-race and repaid the gesture by holding position strongly in the closing laps. The German finished P12.
The final point went to Pierre Gasly, argaubly driving the worst car on the grid, He delivered another gritty perfromance to nad one poiny on the day. His teammate Franco Colapinto had another 'face-palm' race, again showing he is not the shooting star he was hyped to be.
With rain, strategy swings and tyre degradation in play throughout the 44 laps, it was Piastri who delivered the cleanest drive of the afternoon to secure a deserved win and momentum into the second half of the season.
Out of the points was Yuki Tsunoda after one of his best Qualifying efforts. But Sunday served disappointment as he slid down to P13 after starting P7 on the grid.
A shout out to the Orange Army that invaded the spectator banks of Spa-Francochamps, injecting their unique raucous joy throughout Sunday despite the wet and gloomy weather.
Keeping all amused throughout the delay, raving and partying no matter what. Sadly, their man Verstappen did not win it, but it was still an Orange day. The other orange!
Belgian Grand Prix Result
Belgian Grand Prix As It Happened
The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix ben with a rolling start under steady rain, with all 20 drivers leaving the grid on intermediate tyres. The full wet compound was once again overlooked due to limited performance in such conditions.
Formation Lap: Shortly after the field pulled away behind the Safety Car, spray from the cars quickly reduced visibility to unsafe levels. Conditions worsened through the forested sections of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with moisture hanging in the air and limiting driver vision.
Norris reported: “Not ideal for the time being. I can’t see a lot behind the Safety Car. So I can’t imagine what it’s like for everyone else.”
Before the formation lap could be completed, race control issued a red flag and instructed all cars to return to the pit lane. No green flag running occurred, and the race had not officially started. Although rain had briefly eased in the pit lane area, radar indicated a heavier cell approaching, triggering a prolonged delay.
About eighty minutes after the Grand Prix was red-flagged without the formation lap being completed, the field lined up on a very damp Spa-Francochamps as the sun broke through the candy cotton, water-laden clouds over the Ardennes. Switching off the sprinklers for "an hour", the 'experts' predicted.
Lap 1: Cars leave the pit lane behind the Safety Car
Following a lengthy delay due to heavy rain, the Belgian Grand Prix finally got underway with a rolling start behind the Safety Car. Norris led the field out of the pit lane, with at least two laps required before green flag conditions could be considered. The race officially began, with this formation counted as Lap 1.
Following a lengthy delay due to heavy rain, the Belgian Grand Prix finally got underway with a rolling start behind the Safety Car. Norris led the field out of the pit lane, with at least two laps required before green flag conditions could be considered. The race officially began, with this formation counted as Lap 1.
Lap 2: Conditions mixed across the lap
Piastri reported improved visibility through Eau Rouge but noted that it remained poor afterwards. The Kemmel Straight in particular was still heavily obscured by spray. Meanwhile, the latter half of the lap appeared clearer, providing some hope for green flag racing soon.
Piastri reported improved visibility through Eau Rouge but noted that it remained poor afterwards. The Kemmel Straight in particular was still heavily obscured by spray. Meanwhile, the latter half of the lap appeared clearer, providing some hope for green flag racing soon.
Lap 3: Safety Car remains on track
Despite improvements in parts of the circuit, the Safety Car stayed out. Drivers continued circulating at reduced speed as marshals monitored conditions closely.
Despite improvements in parts of the circuit, the Safety Car stayed out. Drivers continued circulating at reduced speed as marshals monitored conditions closely.
Lap 4: Rolling start confirmed, restart delayed
Race control confirmed a rolling start would be used, but did not call the Safety Car in at the end of the lap. Norris noted over radio that the right side of the grid remained significantly wetter than the left, reinforcing the decision to avoid a standing start.
Race control confirmed a rolling start would be used, but did not call the Safety Car in at the end of the lap. Norris noted over radio that the right side of the grid remained significantly wetter than the left, reinforcing the decision to avoid a standing start.
Lap 5: Racing begins – Piastri takes the lead
Norris accelerated early at the chicane to kick off the restart, but Piastri stayed close. Norris then ran wide at La Source, giving Piastri the opportunity to pass around the outside heading up the hill. Piastri took the lead before the end of the Kemmel Straight, capitalising on a strong launch.
Norris accelerated early at the chicane to kick off the restart, but Piastri stayed close. Norris then ran wide at La Source, giving Piastri the opportunity to pass around the outside heading up the hill. Piastri took the lead before the end of the Kemmel Straight, capitalising on a strong launch.
Lap 6: Piastri pulls a gap, Russell gains ground
Piastri opened a one-second advantage over Norris, a critical margin if DRS is enabled. Russell overtook Albon for fifth with a decisive move at Turn 5. Norris asked his team about a possible battery issue on the restart, but was told the system had recovered.
Piastri opened a one-second advantage over Norris, a critical margin if DRS is enabled. Russell overtook Albon for fifth with a decisive move at Turn 5. Norris asked his team about a possible battery issue on the restart, but was told the system had recovered.
Lap 7: Verstappen pressures Leclerc, dry line forming
Verstappen closed in on Leclerc in the fight for third, staying within striking range. A dry line began to appear through the middle sector, prompting tyre management concerns. Norris matched Piastri's pace as the two McLarens ran 1.3 seconds apart.
Verstappen closed in on Leclerc in the fight for third, staying within striking range. A dry line began to appear through the middle sector, prompting tyre management concerns. Norris matched Piastri's pace as the two McLarens ran 1.3 seconds apart.
Lap 8: Hamilton storms through the midfield
Hamilton surged past Stroll on Lap 5 and continued his charge, overtaking Colapinto and Sainz in rapid succession to climb to P15. Moments later, he went down the inside of Hulkenberg at the final chicane to take 14th place. The Mercedes driver had made up four positions since the restart.
Hamilton surged past Stroll on Lap 5 and continued his charge, overtaking Colapinto and Sainz in rapid succession to climb to P15. Moments later, he went down the inside of Hulkenberg at the final chicane to take 14th place. The Mercedes driver had made up four positions since the restart.
Lap 9: Hamilton overtakes Gasly, climbs to 13th
Hamilton continued his charge through the midfield, easing past Gasly on the drying track. The Mercedes driver moved up to 13th and began closing on the points-paying positions. Conditions were improving steadily, with slick tyres becoming a realistic option.
Hamilton continued his charge through the midfield, easing past Gasly on the drying track. The Mercedes driver moved up to 13th and began closing on the points-paying positions. Conditions were improving steadily, with slick tyres becoming a realistic option.
Lap 10: Piastri extends lead, Verstappen stuck
Piastri stretched his advantage to 1.7 seconds over Norris, who noted over team radio that “slicks are not too far off.” Verstappen, meanwhile, remained behind Leclerc despite closing in through the corners. He looked to the outside at Pouhon but found no space to pass.
Piastri stretched his advantage to 1.7 seconds over Norris, who noted over team radio that “slicks are not too far off.” Verstappen, meanwhile, remained behind Leclerc despite closing in through the corners. He looked to the outside at Pouhon but found no space to pass.
Lap 11: Leclerc holds off Verstappen, Piastri steady
Leclerc ran wide at Turn 1, but Verstappen couldn’t capitalise through Eau Rouge or on the Kemmel Straight. Leclerc's straight-line speed kept him ahead. At the front, Piastri maintained a steady two-second gap over Norris.
Leclerc ran wide at Turn 1, but Verstappen couldn’t capitalise through Eau Rouge or on the Kemmel Straight. Leclerc's straight-line speed kept him ahead. At the front, Piastri maintained a steady two-second gap over Norris.
Lap 12: Hamilton pits for slicks
Hamilton became the first front-runner to switch to slick tyres, bolting on a set of mediums in a bold call. He was joined in the pit lane by Hulkenberg, Gasly, and Alonso, signalling a potential strategy shift across the field.
Hamilton became the first front-runner to switch to slick tyres, bolting on a set of mediums in a bold call. He was joined in the pit lane by Hulkenberg, Gasly, and Alonso, signalling a potential strategy shift across the field.
Lap 13: Leaders pit – Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen in
Piastri, Leclerc, and Verstappen all pitted for mediums. Piastri rejoined in second behind Norris, who stayed out for an extra lap. Leclerc came out in sixth, Verstappen just behind in seventh. The battle for the undercut was well and truly on.
Piastri, Leclerc, and Verstappen all pitted for mediums. Piastri rejoined in second behind Norris, who stayed out for an extra lap. Leclerc came out in sixth, Verstappen just behind in seventh. The battle for the undercut was well and truly on.
Lap 14: Norris stays out, loses significant time
Norris finally came into the pits but lost nearly five seconds to Piastri by staying out too long. What had been a two-second gap ballooned to seven, with Norris falling behind both on-track performance and strategy. The early mistake at the restart continued to cost him.
Norris finally came into the pits but lost nearly five seconds to Piastri by staying out too long. What had been a two-second gap ballooned to seven, with Norris falling behind both on-track performance and strategy. The early mistake at the restart continued to cost him.
Lap 16: Hamilton closing on Albon
Hamilton continued to make progress and found himself running seventh, with a clear view of the battle between Russell and Verstappen ahead. Albon, just in front, had no DRS protection, setting up a likely opportunity for Hamilton to attack.
Hamilton continued to make progress and found himself running seventh, with a clear view of the battle between Russell and Verstappen ahead. Albon, just in front, had no DRS protection, setting up a likely opportunity for Hamilton to attack.
Lap 17: Norris sees opportunity
Norris was informed that both McLarens were targeting a one-stop strategy. His engineer noted that the other car may need to “do some pace management to make it work,” opening up a potential advantage for Norris later in the race.
Norris was informed that both McLarens were targeting a one-stop strategy. His engineer noted that the other car may need to “do some pace management to make it work,” opening up a potential advantage for Norris later in the race.
Lap 18: Piastri leads by nine seconds
Piastri extended his lead to 8.9 seconds over Norris. Running different compounds, Piastri was on the softer C3 medium, while Norris had the harder C1, which could offer more durability. Leclerc remained two seconds clear of Verstappen in third.
Piastri extended his lead to 8.9 seconds over Norris. Running different compounds, Piastri was on the softer C3 medium, while Norris had the harder C1, which could offer more durability. Leclerc remained two seconds clear of Verstappen in third.
Lap 19: Antonelli stuck behind Colapinto
Antonelli, struggling to recover from an earlier setback, found himself unable to clear Colapinto in the battle for 15th. The Alpine was proving a stubborn obstacle for the Mercedes rookie.
Antonelli, struggling to recover from an earlier setback, found himself unable to clear Colapinto in the battle for 15th. The Alpine was proving a stubborn obstacle for the Mercedes rookie.
Lap 20: Team orders at Sauber
At Sauber, Bortoleto requested that Hulkenberg either pass Lawson or let him through. The team obliged, and Hulkenberg moved aside at Turn 5, promoting Bortoleto to ninth.
At Sauber, Bortoleto requested that Hulkenberg either pass Lawson or let him through. The team obliged, and Hulkenberg moved aside at Turn 5, promoting Bortoleto to ninth.
Lap 21: Norris cuts gap slightly
Norris managed to reduce the deficit to Piastri by a second, trimming it to around eight seconds. However, it was still a tall order without further tyre advantage or strategic intervention.
Norris managed to reduce the deficit to Piastri by a second, trimming it to around eight seconds. However, it was still a tall order without further tyre advantage or strategic intervention.
Lap 22: Hamilton loses ground to Albon
Hamilton's earlier momentum faded as he slipped 2.5 seconds behind Albon. Now running in seventh, the Mercedes seemed less competitive on a stable dry track.
Hamilton's earlier momentum faded as he slipped 2.5 seconds behind Albon. Now running in seventh, the Mercedes seemed less competitive on a stable dry track.
Lap 23: Piastri doubts tyre longevity
Piastri reported tyre degradation concerns over the radio. After being told it was his call to pit or stay out, he replied: “I can feel a little bit of deg already, so I think it will be tough to get to the end.” A second stop may still be required.
Piastri reported tyre degradation concerns over the radio. After being told it was his call to pit or stay out, he replied: “I can feel a little bit of deg already, so I think it will be tough to get to the end.” A second stop may still be required.
Lap 24: Podium fight static behind McLarens
Leclerc maintained a 2.5-second gap over Verstappen in the battle for third, with Russell holding a further 3.5 seconds back in fifth. Albon and Hamilton continued to run sixth and seventh, separated by two seconds.
Leclerc maintained a 2.5-second gap over Verstappen in the battle for third, with Russell holding a further 3.5 seconds back in fifth. Albon and Hamilton continued to run sixth and seventh, separated by two seconds.
Lap 25: Piastri leads, Norris responds
Piastri continued to deliver consistent lap times, holding an eight-second lead. Norris responded with the fastest lap of the race, suggesting Piastri’s medium tyres were beginning to fall off relative to Norris’ more durable hards.
Piastri continued to deliver consistent lap times, holding an eight-second lead. Norris responded with the fastest lap of the race, suggesting Piastri’s medium tyres were beginning to fall off relative to Norris’ more durable hards.
Lap 26: Norris loses time after mistake
Norris lost one second during the lap, the result of a small off-track moment. The gap to Piastri grew to nine seconds. Behind them, Gasly led a fierce battle for 11th, with Tsunoda, Bearman, Alonso, and Antonelli closely packed.
Norris lost one second during the lap, the result of a small off-track moment. The gap to Piastri grew to nine seconds. Behind them, Gasly led a fierce battle for 11th, with Tsunoda, Bearman, Alonso, and Antonelli closely packed.
Lap 27: Hamilton closes on Albon
Hamilton resumed his charge and cut the gap to Albon to just over one second. The Mercedes looked more comfortable again as tyre wear increased.
Hamilton resumed his charge and cut the gap to Albon to just over one second. The Mercedes looked more comfortable again as tyre wear increased.
Lap 28: Norris sets fastest lap again
Norris shaved half a second off the gap to Piastri with another fastest lap. The lead dropped to 8.6 seconds as he tried to claw his way back into contention.
Norris shaved half a second off the gap to Piastri with another fastest lap. The lead dropped to 8.6 seconds as he tried to claw his way back into contention.
Lap 30: Hamilton enters DRS range, Leclerc holding firm
Hamilton moved within one second of Albon and gained access to DRS, but couldn’t yet make a pass. Up ahead, Leclerc kept Verstappen two seconds behind in a controlled run for third place.
Hamilton moved within one second of Albon and gained access to DRS, but couldn’t yet make a pass. Up ahead, Leclerc kept Verstappen two seconds behind in a controlled run for third place.
Lap 31: Norris rebuilds momentum
After a costly error earlier, Norris appeared to reset and steadily reduced the gap to Piastri again. The deficit returned to around eight seconds, matching the pre-error margin.
After a costly error earlier, Norris appeared to reset and steadily reduced the gap to Piastri again. The deficit returned to around eight seconds, matching the pre-error margin.
Lap 33: Hamilton blocked by Albon
Hamilton got a better run through Turn 1 but still couldn’t get past Albon on the Kemmel Straight. The Mercedes driver remained seventh, losing valuable time behind the Williams.
Hamilton got a better run through Turn 1 but still couldn’t get past Albon on the Kemmel Straight. The Mercedes driver remained seventh, losing valuable time behind the Williams.
Lap 34: McLaren commits to one stop
Piastri was told by engineer Stallard that tyre degradation was within expectations and the team believed the best strategy was to go to the end. Piastri responded: “I’m happy with that.” The gap to Norris remained steady at eight seconds.
Piastri was told by engineer Stallard that tyre degradation was within expectations and the team believed the best strategy was to go to the end. Piastri responded: “I’m happy with that.” The gap to Norris remained steady at eight seconds.
Lap 35: Norris locks up at Turn 1
Another mistake from Norris, this time a lock-up into the first corner, cost him over half a second and restored the gap to eight seconds. Earlier encouragement over the radio had warned: “Don’t push the braking as hard as you have been—you’re naturally quicker.”
Another mistake from Norris, this time a lock-up into the first corner, cost him over half a second and restored the gap to eight seconds. Earlier encouragement over the radio had warned: “Don’t push the braking as hard as you have been—you’re naturally quicker.”
Lap 36: Norris cuts lead to seven seconds
Norris began to reel in Piastri at a faster rate, taking half a second out of the lead to bring the gap down to seven seconds. The hard tyres were coming into their own as Piastri’s mediums showed signs of wear.
Norris began to reel in Piastri at a faster rate, taking half a second out of the lead to bring the gap down to seven seconds. The hard tyres were coming into their own as Piastri’s mediums showed signs of wear.
Lap 36: Antonelli runs wide after overtaking Ocon
Antonelli managed to get past Ocon in the battle for 15th, but immediately ran wide onto a damp section of the circuit and lost the place again. The teenager’s effort was noted by the Mercedes pit wall, where Wolff watched on in silence.
Antonelli managed to get past Ocon in the battle for 15th, but immediately ran wide onto a damp section of the circuit and lost the place again. The teenager’s effort was noted by the Mercedes pit wall, where Wolff watched on in silence.
Lap 37: Norris closes to 6.2 seconds
Norris shaved off another six-tenths of a second as the pace advantage swung decisively in his favour. Piastri continued to lead, but the gap was diminishing quickly.
Norris shaved off another six-tenths of a second as the pace advantage swung decisively in his favour. Piastri continued to lead, but the gap was diminishing quickly.
Lap 37: Verstappen closes in on Leclerc
Verstappen cut the gap to Leclerc to just over a second and was approaching DRS range. A late scrap for third appeared to be brewing as both drivers struggled for grip in the closing laps.
Verstappen cut the gap to Leclerc to just over a second and was approaching DRS range. A late scrap for third appeared to be brewing as both drivers struggled for grip in the closing laps.
Lap 38: Norris takes more time out of Piastri
With Piastri’s tyres fading, Norris pulled off another lap nearly seven-tenths quicker. The lead dropped to 5.5 seconds, but time was running out to launch a real challenge.
With Piastri’s tyres fading, Norris pulled off another lap nearly seven-tenths quicker. The lead dropped to 5.5 seconds, but time was running out to launch a real challenge.
Lap 39: Leclerc frustrated over team radio
Leclerc, under pressure from Verstappen, snapped back at his engineer: “Leave me alone, please. I can have no information, and then when he’s getting close, I have too much information. Keep it constant. Don’t worry.” The Ferrari driver was clearly feeling the heat as the podium battle intensified.
Leclerc, under pressure from Verstappen, snapped back at his engineer: “Leave me alone, please. I can have no information, and then when he’s getting close, I have too much information. Keep it constant. Don’t worry.” The Ferrari driver was clearly feeling the heat as the podium battle intensified.
Lap 39: Gap drops under five seconds
Norris took seven-tenths out of Piastri’s lead to bring the gap down to 4.8 seconds with six laps remaining. Despite the rapid pace, the McLaren driver needed to gain more per lap to launch a realistic late attack.
Norris took seven-tenths out of Piastri’s lead to bring the gap down to 4.8 seconds with six laps remaining. Despite the rapid pace, the McLaren driver needed to gain more per lap to launch a realistic late attack.
Lap 40: Norris closes to four seconds
Norris continued to chip away, shaving off a few more tenths to reduce the deficit to four seconds. Meanwhile, rain radar updates noted developing weather cells around the circuit, though conditions remained dry.
Norris continued to chip away, shaving off a few more tenths to reduce the deficit to four seconds. Meanwhile, rain radar updates noted developing weather cells around the circuit, though conditions remained dry.
Lap 41: Verstappen presses Leclerc, Norris still chasing
Verstappen stayed just over a second behind Leclerc in the fight for third. Every time he edged closer, the Ferrari driver managed to respond. Norris, meanwhile, had Piastri in sight but was still 3.7 seconds back.
Verstappen stayed just over a second behind Leclerc in the fight for third. Every time he edged closer, the Ferrari driver managed to respond. Norris, meanwhile, had Piastri in sight but was still 3.7 seconds back.
Lap 42: Norris charges, gap drops to three seconds
A strong middle sector from Norris cut the gap to just under three seconds with two laps to go. Piastri received a weather alert suggesting possible drops at Turn 1, though no rain had yet arrived.
A strong middle sector from Norris cut the gap to just under three seconds with two laps to go. Piastri received a weather alert suggesting possible drops at Turn 1, though no rain had yet arrived.
Lap 43: Norris locks up again, Leclerc stabilises
Norris made a third minor error at Turn 1, locking up and running deep, costing him time. The gap rose back to four seconds. Leclerc extended his margin to 1.5 seconds over Verstappen, seemingly ending the podium threat.
Norris made a third minor error at Turn 1, locking up and running deep, costing him time. The gap rose back to four seconds. Leclerc extended his margin to 1.5 seconds over Verstappen, seemingly ending the podium threat.
Lap 44: Piastri cruises on final lap
Piastri set a personal best on the final lap and extended his margin back to five seconds before easing off. No sign of rain materialised, and he stayed in full control.
Piastri set a personal best on the final lap and extended his margin back to five seconds before easing off. No sign of rain materialised, and he stayed in full control.
Chequered Flag: Piastri wins the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix
Piastri crossed the line to win the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing 3.4 seconds ahead of Norris to secure McLaren’s sixth one-two of the season. It marked Piastri’s first victory since early June and extended his lead in the Drivers' Championship to 16 points.
Piastri crossed the line to win the Belgian Grand Prix, finishing 3.4 seconds ahead of Norris to secure McLaren’s sixth one-two of the season. It marked Piastri’s first victory since early June and extended his lead in the Drivers' Championship to 16 points.
Leclerc held off Verstappen to complete the podium, while Hamilton was unable to find a way past Albon for sixth in the closing laps.
Latest News
Loading
