Max Verstappen delivered an outstanding performance on Saturday during the sprint race in Belgium. At the Spa-Francorchamps Circuit, the Dutch driver surprised both McLaren drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with a strong start. From there, the duo was unable to overcome the reigning world champion. Verstappen ultimately claimed victory ahead of Piastri and Norris.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc finished fourth, ahead of surprise performer Esteban Ocon in the Haas. In a clean start phase with no accidents, Verstappen overtook pole-sitter Piastri on the long Kemmel straight. Behind them, Norris lost a position to Leclerc. While Norris needed four laps to regain his spot, Piastri struggled with the Red Bull’s superior top speed. On lap eleven of the 15-lap race, Verstappen made a small mistake and complained about braking issues.

But the four-time champion—born in Belgium and with a Belgian mother—defended his lead until the end. As a result, Red Bull and Verstappen celebrated the sprint victory in the first race following team principal Christian Horner’s departure. Behind Verstappen, McLaren drivers Piastri and Norris joined him on the podium.

The remaining top spots went to Leclerc in the Ferrari and Ocon in the Haas, who delivered a strong and surprising race. Verstappen Claims Twelfth Sprint Victory Carlos Sainz, driving for Williams, finished sixth, followed by rookie Oliver Bearman in a Haas and Racing Bulls prospect Isack Hadjar. For Verstappen, this marked his twelfth sprint race victory in Formula 1. In the overall standings, Piastri now leads Norris by nine points ahead of the 13th round of the 24-race world championship.

Verstappen secured ten points from the 100-kilometer sprint and closed his gap in third place to 68 points. The third sprint weekend of the season takes place in the Ardennes. Qualifying for the main race is scheduled for Saturday at 4 p.m., while the Grand Prix victory will be contested on Sunday at 3 p.m.—with rain showers expected.