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Max Verstappen secured victory in the sprint race of the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday, marking a strong start for Red Bull in the post-Christian Horner era.
The reigning champion triumphed over McLaren’s pole position driver Oscar Piastri during Laurent Mekies’ first race weekend as team principal after Horner was dismissed two weeks prior.
“It worked out really well, I knew it was going to be tough keeping them (the McLarens) behind,” said Verstappen.
“I couldnt afford to make any big mistakes. It’s a sprint win but it still counts,” added the Dutchman after his 12th career sprint win.
Lando Norris, who drove the other McLaren, finished in third place. Piastri had a clean start; however, Verstappen executed a crucial overtaking move on the Kemmel straight during the first lap of the 15-lap sprint.
Piastri increased his lead in the drivers’ championship by one point, now sitting nine points ahead of Norris, while Verstappen remains 68 points behind the Australian.
Qualifying for the main race on Sunday is scheduled for later on Saturday.
