Piastri Converts Frustration into GP Win

Australian racing driver Oscar Piastri turned personal frustration into triumph on Sunday as he claimed an impressive sixth victory of the season at a rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix.

Piastri responded to his disappointment in qualifying, where he was narrowly beaten by McLaren teammate and title rival Lando Norris, by seizing the lead early in the race and managing his tyres to perfection.

The 24-year-old made a decisive move on the opening lap after a rolling start, overtaking Norris through the famous Eau Rouge-Raidillon section on a damp track.

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That moment proved crucial, as Piastri controlled the remainder of the race with maturity, switching from intermediate to medium tyres and holding off Norris, who had opted for the more durable hard compound.

“I knew lap one was probably my best chance to win the race,” said Piastri. “I got a strong exit out of Turn One, lifted a bit through Eau Rouge, and it was just enough to get ahead. From then on, we managed things well. I was struggling slightly towards the end—maybe the medium wasn’t ideal for the last few laps—but overall we kept things under control.”

Piastri Converts Frustration into Grand Prix Win

Despite his second-place start, Piastri admitted he had been hard on himself after Saturday’s qualifying session but acknowledged that Spa’s layout allowed for redemption. “Starting second here isn’t so bad after all,” he quipped.

The race began after a lengthy delay of 80 minutes due to heavy rain, with four laps behind the safety car before racing resumed.

Piastri was initially concerned that the rolling start might limit his ability to gain the upper hand, but he quickly capitalised on Norris’s cautious approach.

“I knew if I stayed close and lifted a little less than Lando, I’d have a shot,” he explained. “It got a bit wild over the hill, but I kept it on track and made the move stick. The tow helped.”

Piastri also revealed that the tyre strategy was a key factor. While Norris was the only driver to choose hard tyres, Piastri believed the medium compound offered more flexibility in case of a safety car intervention.

“I would’ve done the same if I were second,” he said. “The medium worked well in the sprint, so I felt confident it was the right choice. Ultimately, when it’s a one-two battle, you look for any small edge.”

Norris, who now trails Piastri by 16 points in the drivers’ standings after 13 races, conceded that his teammate deserved the win.

“He had the better start and drove a great race,” said Norris, who admitted to making a few errors in the tricky conditions. “It’s a should’ve, would’ve, could’ve situation, but Oscar earned it today.”

The result marks McLaren’s first one-two finish at Spa in several years and their first Belgian Grand Prix victory since Jenson Button’s pole-to-flag win in 2012.

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