After finishing behind his McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in the last two Grands Prix—first in Austria and then at Silverstone—Oscar Piastri returned to the top step of the podium with a commanding victory at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. The Australian driver delivered a stellar performance on one of the most challenging, iconic, and historic tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, reclaiming momentum in the intra-team battle. With this win, Piastri now holds a 16-point lead over Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings.
A key moment of the race was the opening lap, where Piastri managed to overtake Norris despite the fact that the race began with a rolling start—a decision from Race Direction that initially appeared to disadvantage him. Speaking to Formula 1’s official broadcast team after the race, the championship leader admitted he was concerned that the rolling start would prevent any early overtaking opportunities.
“I was a bit disappointed when they confirmed it would be a rolling start, because I thought that would take away any real chance to make a move,” said car number 81. “But when I found myself that close going through Eau Rouge, I knew I could brake a little later than Lando. I’m very proud of that first lap—it really set the tone for the whole race.”
The decisive move on lap one proved crucial, and Piastri knew it was likely his best chance to seize control of the Grand Prix. “That lap was the best opportunity I had to win,” he explained. “I got a great exit from Turn 1, lifted off as little as possible, and it worked out. From that point on, we had the race under control.”
As track conditions improved and the surface dried, Oscar Piastri also had to manage the late-race pressure from Norris, who had opted to switch to the hard compound tyre. Piastri, on the other hand, remained on the medium compound. Despite the differing strategies, the McLaren garage remained calm, and there were no signs of internal tension or controversy regarding tyre choices.
“I would have gone for the same strategy [as Lando] if I had been in second place,” Piastri added. “I knew he’d likely go that way, but for me, staying on the medium tyres was the most logical decision.” Ultimately, that decision proved to be the right one once again for the young Australian.
With this victory, Oscar Piastri strengthens his position at the top of the standings, continuing to grow in confidence and consistency as the 2025 Formula 1 season progresses. His performance at Spa confirms his ability not only to match but to outpace his highly rated team-mate Lando Norris under pressure, while also demonstrating sharp racecraft and strategic awareness at one of the sport’s most revered venues.
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