Rain that hit the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the run-up to the Sprint played havoc with the teams’ prep work – with a number of formation laps run behind the Safety Car to clear standing water before green flag racing began.
Once the Safety Car pulled in, half the field opted to file immediately into the pits to switch their extreme wet tyres for intermediates – with the other half following suit a lap later after a rolling start.
LIVE COVERAGE: Follow all the action from the F1 Sprint in Belgium
Crucially, though, from P2 on the grid, Oscar Piastri was able to jump pole-sitter Max Verstappen for the lead, having been among the gaggle of drivers to stop at the first opportunity as the championship leader stayed out.
Relive the action in the video above.
Next Up
Related Articles
Doohan excited for ‘fresh start’ as Haas reserve
Antonelli and Mercedes top final day of first Bahrain test
Winners & LosersWinners and Losers from the first pre-season test
Russell tops Day 3 morning session at Bahrain test
Watch as F1 TV analyse Day 3 of first Bahrain test
Why Audi's new-look bodywork in Bahrain got people talking