During the Sprint at Spa-Francorchamps, McLaren’s Oscar Piastri had a strong launch but couldn’t hold off Max Verstappen, who used the slipstream on the Kemmel Straight to power into the lead. Lando Norris, meanwhile, lost a place to Charles Leclerc early on but quickly reclaimed it and began chasing the front-runners. Despite their efforts, neither McLaren driver had the top-end speed necessary to pose a late threat to Verstappen, who maintained his lead until the finish.
While McLaren didn’t win the Sprint, they demonstrated impressive one-lap performance in qualifying, locking out the front row for Sunday’s Grand Prix. Piastri came close to snatching pole but made a minor mistake on his final flying lap. That slip allowed Norris to edge ahead and claim his fourth pole of the 2025 season, reinforcing McLaren’s qualifying strength at Spa.
Lando Norris expressed satisfaction with both his lap and the car’s performance, highlighting the positive momentum he felt throughout the weekend. He credited his rivalry with Piastri as a healthy and motivating force within the team. As for the unpredictable Spa weather, Norris remained optimistic and excited for whatever conditions the race might bring.
Oscar Piastri, though pleased with his front-row start, was slightly frustrated by a small error in Q3 that cost him a shot at pole. He lost crucial time at Turn 14 but noted how well the car had been handling overall. With the weather forecast adding uncertainty to race day, he emphasized the importance of strategic preparation overnight to be fully ready for a potentially chaotic Grand Prix.
Team Principal Andrea Stella praised both drivers for their strong performances in both the Sprint and Qualifying. He acknowledged the tight competition and narrow margins at the front of the grid, while also recognizing that Spa’s changing weather could throw several variables into Sunday’s race. McLaren enters the Grand Prix in a strong position and with high expectations for another podium challenge.
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