Max Verstappen secured another Sprint win in Belgium as he overhauled Oscar Piastri in a gripping wet encounter. The Dutchman had some work to do following the rolling start to the Sprint, which saw several drivers – including Piastri – dive in early for intermediate tyres after wet weather hit the track, delaying the start.
Verstappen followed suit a lap later, pitting for inters himself, but Piastri’s early decision had seen him jump the Red Bull man to lead.
Despite that, it wasn’t long before the current championship leader had reeled in the Australian rookie as he soared past him moments after the Safety Car – triggered by Fernando Alonso spinning out of the race on Lap 4 – had peeled back into the pits.
READ MORE: Verstappen overhauls Piastri in rain-hit Sprint race at Spa-Francorchamps
There were other flashpoints on track too, as Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez came together, leaving the Mexican with damage, while he was eventually forced to retire. Hamilton was handed a five-second penalty for the clash, leaving him down in seventh place despite crossing the line fourth on the road.
Elsewhere Pierre Gasly secured a very welcome third place for Alpine, following a string of bad luck on the track – and plenty of headlines for the squad off it.
To catch up on all the highlights from the Sprint race in Belgium click the video player above.
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