Max Verstappen dominated the Belgian Grand Prix sprint at Spa-Francorchamps, clinching victory for Red Bull and extending his championship lead. In the post-race press conference, the Dutch driver admitted the session felt straightforward once he grabbed the lead early on. “I pushed hard at the start to get ahead, and after that, it was about managing the tyres,” Verstappen said. He noted the car’s strong pace but cautioned that Sunday’s full race could bring surprises with potential rain in the forecast.
Oscar Piastri, finishing second for McLaren, praised his team’s setup tweaks that helped him hold off challenges. The Australian reflected on a tense moment when he defended against his teammate. “It was close, but clean racing,” Piastri explained. He expressed optimism for the main event, highlighting how the sprint data would refine their approach amid changing track conditions.
Lando Norris rounded out the podium in third, also for McLaren, after a bold move to overtake early rivals. The Brit acknowledged a small error that cost him a shot at second but stayed positive. “We learned a lot today, and the car feels quick,” Norris said. He predicted a tight battle in the grand prix, especially if wet weather mixes up strategies.
When asked about the championship fight, Verstappen shrugged off pressure, focusing on consistent points. Piastri and Norris both stressed McLaren’s momentum, with Norris adding, “We’re in the hunt now, and every session counts.” The trio agreed that tyre wear and weather would define the weekend’s outcome, setting the stage for an intense Sunday showdown.
