Spa‑Francorchamps (Sunday, July 27, 2025)

Weather & Race Conditions

• Heavy rain delayed the start of the race by about 80 minutes, forcing the use of a formation lap and additional safety car laps behind slow conditions. Racing officially began on Lap 5 with a rolling start. Visibility was a key concern.

• Tyre strategy was pivotal: Intermediate tyres were used early on, but most teams switched to medium slicks around Lap 12 as track conditions improved. Norris was the only driver to opt for hard compound tyres, a gamble that ultimately didn’t pay off.

Key Moments & Strategic Highlights

• At the rolling start off of Lap 5, Piastri executed a brilliant move on Norris through Eau Rouge and onto Kemmel Straight to seize the lead.

• Once in front, Piastri pulled out a lead of around 8–10 seconds by the first pit sequence, despite fitting mediums earlier than Norris.

• Norris switched to hards on his stop, hoping durability would yield a late advantage, but track evolution favored Piastri’s medium tyres all the way. Norris finished 3.415 seconds behind.

Driver & Team Analysis

McLaren

• Piastri delivered a composed, flawless performance under pressure, securing his sixth win of the season and stretching his championship lead to 16 points over Norris.

• Norris fought hard but was compromised by his time on hard tyres and a slower pit stop. Still earned valuable points with P2.

Ferrari & Red Bull

• Leclerc finished a strong P3, holding off a fast-charging Verstappen in the closing stages.

• Verstappen came home P4. He criticized the FIA’s cautious weather management, but the car’s straight-line pace shone briefly once racing began.

Recovery Gains

• Lewis Hamilton, starting from pit lane due to a power unit change, made a smart early switch to slicks and recovered to a solid P7 finish.

Constructors Standings Post-Race

• McLaren now top the Constructors’ Championship with 516 pts, well clear of Ferrari's 248 pts and Mercedes' 220 pts.

Summary

• The race was defined by weather-induced delays, strategic tyre calls, and bold early overtaking.

• McLaren executed a faultless race kit: Piastri’s decisive ultraslick move and Norris’ eventual podium sealed another 1–2 finish.

• Leclerc upheld Ferrari’s charge with P3, while Verstappen’s Red Bull showed promise in dry phases but left regretful about delayed starts.

• Hamilton impressed with a recovery drive. Events at Spa again highlighted the challenge of dynamic weather in F1 race operations—and strategic calls under pressure.