Max Verstappen set the pace in a rain-hit opening practice for the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, clocking a 1:43.372 on intermediates as conditions at Spa-Francorchamps turned tricky.
The Red Bull driver edged out McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.2 seconds, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third, half a second adrift. Lewis Hamilton, in his Ferrari debut season, ended fourth, showing strong adaptation despite a brief off-track moment in the slippery sectors.
Rookie Kimi Antonelli impressed for Mercedes, posting the fifth-quickest time ahead of teammate George Russell, who spun at La Source but avoided damage.
Haas debutant Oliver Bearman caused the session’s only red flag with a spin into the barriers at Pouhon, limiting running for others. Williams’ Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon focused on setup tweaks, finishing mid-pack.
Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll rounded out the top 10, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly and Jack Doohan struggled with grip in the wet.
Teams now eye drier weather for FP2, with forecasts suggesting variability ahead of qualifying.
