Max Verstappen secured victory in the Sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps, marking a successful debut for his new team principal, Laurent Mekies. The Red Bull driver navigated the track ahead of the McLaren duo, who rounded out the podium positions.
Oscar Piastri, starting from pole position, proved unable to hold off Verstappen’s challenge, ultimately finishing in second place. Lando Norris secured the third position, completing the top three.
The race largely unfolded without significant shifts within the points-scoring positions. The majority of drivers maintained their starting placements throughout the Sprint. A notable exception was Norris’s strategic overtake of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, allowing him to ascend to third.
Further points were awarded to Esteban Ocon (Haas), Carlos Sainz (Williams), Oliver Bearman (Haas) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls). Pierre Gasly (Alpine) was sidelined due to a technical issue, while his teammate, Franco Colapinto, started from the pit lane following a rear wing change. German driver Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber) finished in 18th place.
The Sprint race was characterized by limited overtaking maneuvers and a closely contested battle for the lead. Piastri exerted pressure on Verstappen throughout, though he was unable to launch a decisive attack. Few positional changes were observed within the midfield pack. Track conditions remained stable with no rain anticipated and the majority of drivers opted for medium-compound tires.