Oscar Piastri tops Belgian GP practice as McLaren impresses, Verstappen close behind
Oscar Piastri Sets the Pace in Belgian Grand Prix Practice
In a gripping start to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, McLaren's Oscar Piastri delivered an authoritative performance, setting the pace in Friday's sole practice session. The Formula 1 championship leader clocked an impressive 1:42.022 on soft tires, outpacing Red Bull's Max Verstappen by a commanding 0.404 seconds.
Piastri showcased his growing dominance this season, but Verstappen, a four-time world champion, kept the pressure on as Red Bull embarked on a new chapter without longtime team principal Christian Horner. For the first time since their entry into Formula 1 in 2005, Red Bull operated under new leadership, with Laurent Mekies stepping in to fill Horner's shoes.
McLaren Shows Strong Form
Lando Norris rounded out the top three in what initially looked like a potential McLaren one-two on the timesheets. However, Norris found himself 0.504 seconds adrift of his teammate’s blistering lap. With Belgium hosting a sprint weekend format, there was no second Friday practice, and the teams now shift their focus to a crucial qualifying session later in the day, which will set the grid for Saturday's 100km sprint race.
Russell Impresses, Mercedes in the Mix
George Russell, last year's controversial Belgian GP winner who had his victory stripped for an underweight Mercedes, showed competitive form with the fourth-fastest time. His teammate, Kimi Antonelli, slotted into sixth, separating the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc (fifth) and Lewis Hamilton (seventh) on the leaderboard.
Aston Martin and Rookie Performances Shine
Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll secured eighth place, narrowly ahead of teammate Fernando Alonso in ninth. Completing the top ten was Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar, who showed promise in his first weekend under Mekies' guidance after Horner’s surprising mid-season exit following the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
McLaren’s Momentum and the Championship Battle
McLaren, bolstered by Piastri's rise to the front of the championship standings, carries significant momentum. With just an eight-point cushion separating Piastri and Norris, the intra-team rivalry could intensify as the weekend unfolds.
Looking Ahead to Spa’s Challenges
The stage is set at Spa-Francorchamps for a dramatic showdown, with unpredictable weather, high speeds, and a grid of hungry challengers ready to make their mark. Fans can expect an electrifying sprint event on Saturday followed by Sunday's main race, where championship aspirations will face the ultimate test.
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