Oscar Piastri stunned the paddock with a dominant performance in the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps. The McLaren driver secured pole position with an impressive lap time of 1:40.510, which was nearly half a second faster than reigning champion Max Verstappen in second place. Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris followed closely in third, albeit over six-tenths off the pace. Charles Leclerc placed fourth in his Ferrari, rounding out a competitive top-four.
This pole marks Piastri’s third career Sprint qualifying success, but significantly, it is his first outside of Qatar, where he previously claimed Sprint poles and victories in both 2023 and 2024. His commanding form at Spa highlights McLaren’s growing competitiveness in the 2025 season. His gap to rivals suggests not just raw pace but also excellent car setup and confidence at the demanding Belgian circuit.
Further down the order, Lewis Hamilton experienced a disappointing session. The Ferrari driver could only manage 18th place after suffering a rear lock-up in the first segment of Sprint Qualifying (SQ1), which ended his session prematurely. Hamilton’s struggles stood in stark contrast to the strong performances from younger drivers, signaling a difficult weekend ahead for the seven-time world champion.
The full starting grid for the Sprint at Spa features a mix of familiar faces and rising talents. Notably, Esteban Ocon took an unexpected fifth in his Haas, while Carlos Sainz placed sixth for Williams. Ollie Bearman also impressed with a seventh-place finish, ahead of Gasly, Hadjar, and Bortoleto, completing the top ten. These results show a shifting midfield landscape with new drivers making their mark.
Although the grid is provisional pending FIA confirmation, the results signal a shake-up ahead of the Sprint. Piastri’s standout performance has sparked excitement, while veterans like Hamilton are left searching for answers. The session’s drama adds anticipation for the upcoming race, where changing weather and Spa’s unpredictable nature could produce even more surprises.
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