The Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) won a brilliant victory on Saturday during the sprint race of the Formula 1 Belgium Grand Prix, trapping the McLaren. Under a frank sun which bathed the spectacular circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, the quadruple world champion in reigning rushed into the only small possible breach and then beautifully resisted the papaya-colored single-seaters.
Starting in 2nd position, “Mad Max” took advantage of the long first straight first and the aspiration offered by the Australian Poleman Oscar Piastri to exceed him at the turn 5. He then managed to keep behind the leader of the world championship, who nevertheless benefited from the help of the DRS.
“I’m delighted!” It went very well. It was the only possibility of beating McLaren and we got it. I couldn’t afford to make mistakes and it was very difficult to keep them behind me. To keep the fastest cars behind, you have to be all the time all the time, I made 15 laps of qualifications! ”, Paden said.
Laurent Mekies succeeded in his first with Red Bull
The latter also offered victorious beginnings to Laurent Mekies, a new French director of the team, who replaced the historic boss Christian Horner two weeks ago, limited after 20 years at the head of the Austrian team.
“The team did a great job, Max (Editor’s note: Verstappen) had an incredible pressure for 15 laps but he managed to contain the McLaren with superb resistance and good tire management. What Max did today (Editor’s note: Saturday), it’s very complicated to do so it was really very impressive, ”said Melies, admiring, at the microphone of Canal+.
Oscar Piastri nibbles on a point on Lando Norris
The Mano A Mano continues between the McLaren pilots since Oscar Piastri preceded Lando Norris on Saturday and resumed a small point to his dolphin in the title race. The Australian now has 9 lengths ahead of the British.
The Monegasque Charles Leclerc, who had managed to overtake Norris at the start of the race, could not resist the vice-champion of the world and finished 4th, far from the top trio. His British teammate Lewis Hamilton, who went in 18th position after having missed qualifying, did not make a miracle and finished 16th.
