NEW DELHI: Oscar Piastri delivered a sensational performance at Spa-Francorchamps to secure pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint race, firmly asserting his championship credentials. The McLaren driver was in commanding form throughout the session and clinched pole by nearly half a second, with Max Verstappen splitting the McLarens to take second. Lando Norris, Piastri’s main title rival, will line up third.
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Piastri’s dominant display came after he topped the timesheets in Friday’s only practice session, continuing his strong response to the controversial penalty that cost him victory at Silverstone three weeks ago. At Spa, he made no mistake, nailing his SQ3 lap in the shootout session.
Verstappen, competing in his first weekend without long-time Red Bull boss Christian Horner at the helm, managed to edge out Norris for second. Charles Leclerc was fourth in the lead Ferrari, while McLaren’s rivals Mercedes had a nightmare qualifying.
The Final Lap
Lewis Hamilton suffered a costly spin on his final lap of SQ1, ending the session in a shocking 18th place. Mercedes’ troubles continued with George Russell only managing 13th, while rookie Kimi Antonelli brought up the rear in 20th — a far cry from their 2024 Spa race-winning form.
The chaos allowed midfield teams to shine. Haas had a standout session, with Esteban Ocon taking fifth and Oliver Bearman seventh — the team’s best collective Sprint qualifying of the season. Williams’ Carlos Sainz slotted in sixth, while teammate Alex Albon was an early casualty in SQ1.
Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar, and Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto completed a surprising top 10 lineup, promising an unpredictable Sprint race on Saturday.
Catch the Belgian GP Sprint live on Saturday at 11am IST, with main qualifying for Sunday’s Grand Prix following at 3pm — both on Sky Sports F1.
