Spa Sets the Stage for McLaren Mastery
Heavy rain pummeled Spa‑Francorchamps before the scheduled 3 p.m. start, forcing an 80‑minute delay and a cautious decision to cancel the sole formation lap due to poor visibility reported by multiple drivers. The FIA eventually launched the race at 4:20 p.m. local time, running four laps behind the safety car before the field rolled into action on Lap 5 of the 44‑lap distance.
From pole, Lando Norris led the field into Turn 1, only to be dramatically slingshotted by teammate Oscar Piastri. This happened at the long run through Eau Rouge and the Kemmel Straight. Norris touched the limit exiting La Source, allowing Piastri to tuck in, hold tight through Raidillon, and execute a clean pass into Les Combes. It was a carbon copy of what Norris had achieved on Saturday’s sprint, but this time Piastri turned the tables and never looked back.
Piastri’s Flawless Drive
Once ahead, Piastri delivered a clinical, error‑free race, expertly managing tire wear on medium compound Pirellis. Norris stayed out an extra lap before switching to hards, a more durable but slower option that could have helped if the mediums dropped away late. Indeed Norris closed the gap in the final stints, but small mistakes and Piastri’s unyielding pace kept the gap steady. In the end, Piastri claimed victory by 3.41 seconds, marking his sixth win of the 2025 season and eighth in his career, while extending his Drivers’ Championship lead to 16 points over his teammate.
Piastri said this about his race win:
“I knew Lap 1 would be my best chance of winning the race,” he said. “I got a good exit out of Turn 1, lifted as little as I dared out of Eau Rouge.”
“I was pretty disappointed with myself yesterday but turns out starting P2 was not as bad as I thought.”
After the race Norris had this to say:
“Oscar just did a good job. Nothing more to say. I committed a bit more through Eau Rouge, and had the slipstream and got the run.”
“So nothing to complain of. He did a better job in the beginning, and that was it. Nothing more I could do after that point. I would love to be up top, but Oscar deserved it today.”
Leclerc Holds Firm, Verstappen Lacks Bite
Behind the dominant McLarens, Charles Leclerc delivered a valuable morale‑boosting third place for Ferrari. Finishing just ahead of reigning champion Max Verstappen in fourth. Leclerc managed to contain pressure from Verstappen despite drying conditions and held strong enough to show Ferrari’s improving form versus Mercedes and Red Bull.
George Russell claimed fifth for Mercedes, while Alex Albon, after a strong qualifying effort, brought his Williams home in P6. That was his best finish since Imola.
Hamilton’s Comeback Showcase
Lewis Hamilton, eliminated from Q1 and starting from the back, delivered one of the standout performances of the afternoon. His wet weather skill and early switch to slicks on Lap 12 vaulted him from 18th to seventh place. Despite mounting pressure, he couldn’t dislodge Albon, ending a gritty recovery inside the points haul.
Midfield Movers & Strategy Swings
Further down the order, Liam Lawson impressed with eighth for Racing Bulls, while Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoleto was allowed past teammate Nico Hulkenberg and grabbed ninth. Pierre Gasly scored the final point for Alpine at tenth place. A nice way to recover from a Sprint DNS.
In contrast, Yuki Tsunoda’s strategic gamble on staying out too long on wet tires cost him, dropping him out of contention despite a solid qualifying effort.
View the full race results here.
Bigger Picture: McLaren’s Grip on the Season
With Piastri’s sixth win in 13 races, McLaren now sits in commanding form. The 16‑point gap to Norris and the widening gap to Verstappen, now 81 points behind, proves how strongly McLaren control the top of the standings. Ferrari has solidified its hold on second in the Constructors’ Championship, with Mercedes and Red Bull trailing.
What’s Next?
Formula 1 now heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix, the final event before a four week summer break. The championship is heating up, and if Spa showed us anything, it’s that pole position isn’t everything. Execution and mental composure at the first corner might just decide the 2025 title.
From Spa’s notorious unpredictability emerged McLaren clarity. The team’s pace, combined with Piastri’s precision, put them firmly in championship control heading into Hungary.
