2025 Belgian Grand Prix: Piastri Shines in Spa; Leclerc Impresses, Mercedes Struggles

🟠 Commanding Victory for Piastri in Spa

Oscar Piastri showcased calmness and talent in a weather-disrupted Belgian Grand Prix. After an 80-minute delay and rolling start due to heavy rain, the Australian driver pulled off a brilliant move on McLaren teammate Lando Norris to take the lead.

Despite the risk of tire degradation on medium compounds, Piastri managed them perfectly and crossed the finish line first, securing his sixth win of the season.

“I knew that if I got a good exit from Turn 1, I could try something. It was risky, but I made it stick,” said Piastri post-race.

🟡 Leclerc Back in the Spotlight

Charles Leclerc looked sharp all weekend. Starting from third, he fended off pressure from Verstappen and crossed the line in second, earning his fifth podium of the season.

Ferrari's strategy was spot-on, and their new rear suspension package paid off — likely the team's final upgrade of the year.

🔴 Verstappen Wins the Sprint but Slows on Sunday

Max Verstappen claimed his first Sprint victory of the season on Saturday with a clean slipstream pass on Piastri at Kemmel. However, Red Bull’s choice of a higher-downforce rear wing for Sunday’s wet race hampered their dry pace.

“The podium was probably the best we could get today with the setup we chose,” admitted Verstappen.

⚫ Mercedes Searching for Answers

George Russell finished fifth but was visibly frustrated. “This was the best we could do. As a team, we’ve taken a step backwards and don’t know why,” he said.

Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, endured another tough weekend. He couldn’t escape the back of the grid and finished 16th. A new rear wing improved his confidence, but not his results.

📅 Next Stop: Hungary

With Spa in the books, the Formula 1 circus now heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix. McLaren looks strong, Ferrari builds consistency, and Mercedes will need a turnaround to stay in the fight for second in the Constructors’ Championship.