The Belgian Grand Prix: A Historic Day for Formula 1 and Oscar Piastri
The Belgian Grand Prix, held this past Sunday at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, was not just another race; it was a monumental occasion that etched itself into the annals of Formula 1 history. The standout performer of the day was Oscar Piastri from McLaren, who not only clinched victory but also set a remarkable record for Australian drivers in Formula 1. With this win and a previous triumph during the Sprint race on Saturday, Piastri has now secured a total of six Grand Prix victories in the 2025 season, surpassing any other Australian driver in a single season.
Oscar Piastri’s Record-Breaking Season
Oscar Piastri’s impressive performance has solidified his position at the top of the drivers’ championship standings. His six wins this season are particularly noteworthy, as they highlight his extraordinary skill and consistency behind the wheel. Moreover, Piastri has established a remarkable streak of 31 consecutive races where he has scored points, a feat that has only been surpassed by legends Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton in the history of the sport. This achievement underscores Piastri’s growing reputation as one of the most promising talents in Formula 1.
McLaren’s Dominance at Spa-Francorchamps
The Belgian Grand Prix was also a significant event for McLaren as a team. They secured their 13th victory at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, marking their first win here since Jenson Button’s triumph in 2012. Additionally, McLaren achieved their sixth one-two finish of the season, with Lando Norris finishing in second place. This level of dominance is reminiscent of McLaren’s glory days, particularly in 1988 when Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna delivered ten consecutive one-two finishes.
Lando Norris’s second-place finish was crucial, as it marked his first podium among the top four finishers at Spa, further enhancing his reputation as a formidable driver in the current season. His consistent performance alongside Piastri has played a pivotal role in McLaren’s resurgence in Formula 1.
Charles Leclerc and Ferrari’s Performance
Charles Leclerc, driving for Ferrari, managed to secure third place, replicating his results from the previous two seasons at the Belgian circuit. Leclerc’s performance has been commendable, as he has now earned a total of five podium finishes in the current season. Only Piastri and Norris, each with 11 podiums, have surpassed Leclerc in terms of top-three finishes this year. This consistency is crucial for Ferrari as they strive to regain their competitive edge in Formula 1.
Max Verstappen’s Struggles
In contrast, reigning champion Max Verstappen finished in fourth place, failing to make it onto the podium at Spa for the second consecutive year. This has been a challenging phase for the Red Bull driver, who has only managed one podium finish in the last six races, which came during the Canadian Grand Prix where he finished second. Verstappen’s struggles highlight the unpredictability of the sport and the challenges even the best drivers can face during a season.
Mercedes Fights Through Challenges
The weekend proved to be another difficult outing for Mercedes. George Russell managed to finish fifth, but he has not appeared in the top four since his victory in Canada earlier in the season. The team’s struggles have been evident, with Kimi Antonelli finishing in 16th place and only managing to score points in one of the last seven races. This ongoing challenge reflects the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the constant need for teams to adapt and improve.
Williams Shines with Strong Performance
On a positive note, Williams Racing celebrated a significant result, with Alexander Albon finishing in sixth place. This marked the best performance for the team at Spa in the last decade, with their last notable result at the circuit being Felipe Massa’s performance in 2015. Albon’s strong showing is a testament to the progress Williams has made in recent seasons and their potential for further success.
Notable Performances from Other Drivers
Several other drivers also made headlines during the Belgian Grand Prix. Liam Lawson finished eighth for the Racing Bulls, showcasing his talent and determination. Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber achieved an impressive ninth place, marking only his second career points finish. Pierre Gasly rounded out the top ten, ensuring Alpine remained competitive despite their struggles at the bottom of the constructor standings.
Bortoleto’s performance was particularly special for Sauber, as the team had not scored points at Spa since 2018 when Marcus Ericsson managed to do so. This return to form is encouraging for Sauber and indicates a positive trajectory for the team.
A Unique Race with Full Participation
An interesting aspect of the Belgian Grand Prix was that it was one of the rare races this year, alongside the Japanese Grand Prix, where all 20 drivers completed the race and were classified. This highlights not only the competitiveness of the event but also the reliability of the cars in use this season.
Conclusion: McLaren’s Current Dominance
The results from the Belgian Grand Prix reaffirm McLaren’s current dominance in the 2025 Formula 1 season, particularly with Oscar Piastri’s exceptional performance. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to see how Piastri and his team continue to build on their success and what challenges lie ahead for their competitors. The excitement of Formula 1 continues to captivate fans around the world, and the Belgian Grand Prix has only added to the thrilling narrative of this season.
