Max Verstappen dominates the Belgian GP Sprint ahead of McLaren’s Piastri and Norris at Spa-Francorchamps. A thrilling 100km race full of drama and ”.
Introduction
When the rain hangs in the Ardennes air and the roar of 20 Formula 1 engines echoes through the trees, something magical tends to unfold. And at Spa-Francorchamps, during the Belgian Grand Prix Sprint, that magic belonged to Max Verstappen. The Dutch driver stormed to his first Sprint win of the 2024 season, putting on a masterclass in power, precision, and patience. While Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris pushed him to the brink, Verstappen held firm, like a mountain in a storm, crossing the line just ahead of the hungry McLarens.
But this wasn’t just another routine Sprint—it was drama, strategy, and redemption all packed into 100km. Let’s break it all down.
Sprint Format at Spa: What Was at Stake
The Sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps wasn’t just a side event—it awarded vital championship points to the top eight finishers. Unlike the main Grand Prix, this 100km dash offers no pit stops or tire changes, just pure racing. With eight points up for grabs for P1 and scaling down to one for P8, every position counted.
Verstappen’s Weekend: Building Momentum
Verstappen had not won a Sprint this season—until Spa. Despite being second in Sprint Qualifying, he looked sharp from the get-go. This victory wasn’t just about points; it was a statement. Max was back in total control, and this time, even McLaren’s impressive pace couldn’t keep him behind.
Piastri’s Perfect Start and Sprint Pole Glory
Oscar Piastri shocked everyone with a stunning lap of 1m40.510s in Sprint Qualifying. That lap was over four-tenths quicker than Verstappen’s. At lights out, Piastri launched beautifully off the line and held P1 into Turn 1. For a brief moment, it seemed a maiden Sprint win was within reach.
Norris in the Mix: The Quiet Storm
While all eyes were on Verstappen and Piastri, Lando Norris kept himself firmly in the fight. Starting third, he momentarily dropped behind Leclerc but fought back hard. His tire management and timing were impeccable, making him a constant threat in the closing stages.
The Key Moment: Verstappen’s Overtake on Lap 1
Call it experience, call it instinct—Verstappen used Piastri’s slipstream on the Kemmel Straight like a surfer catching the perfect wave. That move into Les Combes gave him the lead, and though the McLaren driver stayed close, Max never gave it back.
Midfield Shake-up: Leclerc, Ocon, and Sainz Battle On
Behind the podium finishers, Charles Leclerc had an intense race of his own. He briefly snatched third from Norris before losing it again. Esteban Ocon impressed in his Haas, finishing fifth, just ahead of Sainz, Bearman, and Hadjar. A rare double-points finish for Haas, with Bearman also shining.
Alpine’s Nightmare: Gasly and Colapinto Woes
Alpine’s Sprint was cursed from the start. Franco Colapinto was forced to start from the pit lane due to a rear wing change, and Pierre Gasly’s car was wheeled back with a water system issue before the race even began. He joined the track two laps down, essentially treating it as a test session.
Tyre Choices and Strategy Calls
Every driver except Colapinto started on mediums. The only gamble came from Alpine’s pit lane starter, who ran softs—an aggressive call that didn’t yield much. With no mandatory stops, tire management was more about finding grip than long-term degradation.
A Three-Car Thriller: When Piastri and Norris Chased Max
For a while, the front three looked locked in a high-speed chess match. Piastri was within half a second of Verstappen, with Norris breathing down his neck. But despite the McLarens’ pace, they couldn’t quite pounce. Verstappen’s flawless defense kept them at bay.
Hamilton’s Struggles Continue
Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint Qualifying went from bad to worse. A shock exit in SQ1 meant starting P18, and he never really recovered. Despite some early moves, he finished 15th. His radio summed it up: “I’ve got no rear already.” Mercedes clearly has homework to do.
Rookie Spotlight: Antonelli, Bearman, and Hadjar
Kimi Antonelli, the much-talked-about Mercedes prodigy, was eliminated early in qualifying and struggled during the Sprint, finishing 17th. But Ollie Bearman delivered big for Haas in P7, and Isack Hadjar held his own to round out the top eight.
A Sprint Test for Some, A Sprint Fight for Others
While Verstappen, Piastri, and Norris fought for the win, others treated the Sprint as a development session. Gasly ran laps for Alpine after rejoining late, and Colapinto gained experience, even if results didn’t show it.
Final Lap Drama and the Chase to the Flag
As the Sprint neared its end, Piastri made one last charge on Lap 11, trying the outside line. Verstappen fended it off like a fortress. Norris stayed close but couldn’t squeeze through. Max held on to win by just 0.753s, with Norris six-tenths behind Piastri.
Sprint Points: Who Gained What?
Here’s how the top eight scored:
- P1 – Verstappen: 8 points
- P2 – Piastri: 7 points
- P3 – Norris: 6 points
- P4 – Leclerc: 5 points
- P5 – Ocon: 4 points
- P6 – Sainz: 3 points
- P7 – Bearman: 2 points
- P8 – Hadjar: 1 point
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Grand Prix
Verstappen’s Sprint win sets the tone for the main event, but McLaren isn’t far behind. If the weather shifts or strategy plays in their favor, Spa might just give us another thriller on Sunday. One thing’s certain—this title fight isn’t over yet.
Conclusion
Max Verstappen’s Sprint victory at Spa was more than just another win—it was a declaration. With Piastri and Norris pushing hard and the field as competitive as ever, Formula 1 fans were treated to a battle that had everything: speed, skill, and suspense. As the paddock resets for Sunday’s Grand Prix, it’s clear that the road to victory in Belgium runs straight through Verstappen.
FAQs
1. How many Sprint wins does Max Verstappen have in 2024?
This was Verstappen’s first Sprint win of the 2024 season.
2. What happened to Pierre Gasly during the Sprint?
Gasly suffered a water system issue and could not start with the grid. He joined the Sprint two laps down.
3. How did the McLaren drivers perform?
Piastri and Norris were consistently fast, finishing second and third respectively, keeping Verstappen under pressure.
4. Who were the surprise performers in the Sprint?
Esteban Ocon, Ollie Bearman, and Isack Hadjar all finished in the points, delivering strong performances for their teams.
5. Why did Colapinto start from the pit lane?
Alpine changed Colapinto’s rear wing under parc fermé conditions, forcing a pit lane start.
