Verstappen Opens Red Bull’s New Era with Win Ryan Pierse – Getty Images
Max Verstappen extended his massive lead of overall sprint wins over the field, winning at Spa-Francorchamps Saturday afternoon. The four-time world champion recorded his first sprint race of the year, second career sprint win at Spa, and 12th sprint win since they were introduced to the F1 schedule in 2021.
This is Max Verstappen and Red Bull’s first performance since the firing of Christian Horner, starting Red Bull Racing’s new era under Laurent Mekies.
Verstappen started second next to championship leader Piastri, who shattered the track record at Spa-Francorchamps, beating Lewis Hamilton’s 2020 qualifying time in the W11 by seven tenths. Piastri’s qualifying time of 1:40.510 was four tenths better than the rest of the field.
Verstappen took the lead from Piastri on the first lap down the Kemmel Straight into Les Combes, or turn 5. As the Red Bull made it by the lead McLaren, Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari made it by the McLaren of Lando Norris for third.
This is Piastri’s third second-place finish through the first three sprint races of the season. The Australian driver entered the race with worries of starting on pole next to Verstappen, knowing how second place can capitalize on the pole-winner’s start. Ultimately, Piastri was left vulnerable due to his straight-line speed.
“I tried my best to snake my way through the straights and not give too much of a tow,” Piastri told F1TV. “I just didn’t have enough straight-line speed and then obviously didn’t have enough straight-line speed for the next 15 laps either.”
Norris took third position back to minimize Piastri’s advantage in the sprint race, losing one point to his teammate. Entering the Grand Prix this weekend, Piastri now leads Norris by nine points in the WDC standings.
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