Max Verstappen has conquered the sprint race at Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix to start Red Bull's new era with a win. On the first lap of the 15-lap contest, Verstappen used his Red Bull's superior top speed to draft past polesitter Oscar Piastri at Les Combes, much like the championship leader had feared before the start.

Max Verstappen needed "15 qualifying laps" to win the F1 Belgian Grand prix sprint after passing polesitter Oscar Piastri at the start

With 12 of the 24 races of the Formula One calendar now in the rearview mirror, the second half of the 2025 F1 season begins on Sunday from Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Nicknamed Spa, the circuit hosts the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix,