In a thrilling race at Spa-Francorchamps, Oscar Piastri emerged victorious, showcasing his talent and determination on the track. Following a strong performance in Austria and a somewhat lucky win at Silverstone, Lando Norris had closed the gap to Piastri to just eight points, setting the stage for an intense title battle in 2025. However, Piastri seized the opportunity when Norris made a slip out of La Source on the first lap after the safety car, allowing the young Australian to capitalize and take the lead.
Piastri executed a daring overtake, tucking in behind Norris through Eau Rouge and up Raidillon, before using a powerful slipstream to slingshot past him. While some may argue that Norris should have defended better, Piastri proved once again that he is an ice-cold assassin on the track, demonstrating his pinpoint precision and skill, traits he previously showcased against Max Verstappen in Saudi Arabia. As the race progressed, Piastri maintained his focus, managing his medium tires effectively while Norris struggled with small errors on his slower hard tires. This victory not only doubled Piastri's lead but also marked his eighth Grand Prix win as he heads to Hungary, a track where he claimed his first win just a year ago.
Max Verstappen faced a challenging race, unable to replicate his earlier sprint success against the faster McLarens. Despite his superior top speed allowing him to pass Piastri during the sprint, the reigning world champion found himself stuck behind Charles Leclerc for the entirety of the race. Red Bull had anticipated a wet race, opting for a high downforce setup that ultimately backfired as the conditions remained dry.
Frustrations mounted for Verstappen as he struggled to overtake Leclerc, who had a more slippery Ferrari. The Red Bull team felt aggrieved by the race control's decision to delay the start due to visibility concerns, especially after experiencing their own setbacks at Silverstone. This time, race control exercised caution, impacting teams that had prepared for a wet race. Verstappen's struggles were echoed by teammate Yuki Tsunoda, who faced his own challenges, finishing 13th after miscommunication left him out on intermediates for too long.
Charles Leclerc had a standout performance, securing a podium finish with a lower downforce setup that paid off. He held off Verstappen, showcasing not just the effectiveness of his car's setup but also his own tenacity behind the wheel. Leclerc's drive was commendable, especially considering Ferrari's challenges with tire management during the race. Although he is grateful for the improvements made by Ferrari, he remains frustrated by the gap to McLaren, indicating the team's real competition lies with Mercedes and Red Bull.
Ferrari's recent upgrades, including changes to rear suspension geometry, appear to be yielding positive results. As the team prepares for warmer weather conditions, which typically pose challenges for Mercedes, Leclerc's podium finish at Spa marks a significant step toward securing a stronger position in the championship.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes' youngest driver, struggled to find his footing during the race weekend. After a tough run since May, Antonelli's confidence appeared shaken, especially during qualifying where he faced difficulties in achieving optimal grip with his car. Although he performed better during the race, starting from the pit lane hindered his ability to follow veteran teammate Lewis Hamilton through the field.
As he navigates this challenging season, Antonelli's performances may not reflect his potential, particularly in comparison to teammate George Russell. Nevertheless, former world champion Nico Rosberg has advocated for the renewal of Antonelli's contract for 2026, suggesting that a vote of confidence could help lift the weight off the young driver's shoulders.
As Williams heads to the challenging Hungaroring, Albon's performance offers hope for the team amid a competitive midfield battle, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities in Formula 1.
Despite a promising start, Haas F1 Team fell short of scoring points at Spa, with both Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman failing to capitalize on their speed. Strategy missteps, particularly regarding tire management, hindered their chances for a double points finish. Ocon's prolonged stint on intermediates and Bearman's late pit stop were significant factors in their disappointing results.
As the midfield battle intensifies, Haas must improve its strategic decisions to seize opportunities and remain competitive against its rivals.
Gabriel Bortoleto of Sauber had a commendable weekend, showcasing his skills and securing valuable points. Following the impressive performance of teammate Nico Hulkenberg in Britain, Bortoleto was determined to make a mark. During the Spa weekend, he demonstrated speed and consistency, ultimately finishing ninth and earning his second points finish. His ability to navigate the race effectively indicates strong growth as a driver, even in a less competitive car.
Aston Martin experienced a disappointing weekend at Spa, struggling with qualifying pace and overall performance. After a string of solid finishes, the team faced challenges on a track that demanded both high-speed capabilities and strong corner grip. Drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso struggled to make significant progress during the race, with Alonso's commitment to a wet setup proving ineffective in dry conditions.
As the team looks to rebound, addressing their qualifying struggles will be crucial to securing better results in future races.
