Max Verstappen wasted no time in the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint, slicing past Oscar Piastri on the opening lap to grab the lead at a rain-slicked Spa-Francorchamps.
Starting from second on the grid, the Red Bull driver capitalized on his RB21’s superior traction out of La Source, diving inside the McLaren at Eau Rouge to complete the move before Raidillon. Piastri, who had snatched pole in a tense qualifying earlier, couldn’t hold off the charge, dropping to second as the pack thundered through the Ardennes forest.
This early pass set the tone for Verstappen’s dominant run in the shortened race format, extending his points lead in a season where Red Bull continues to fend off challenges from McLaren and Ferrari. With the full Grand Prix looming tomorrow, teams are eyeing variable weather that could shake up strategies again.
