Can Oscar Piastri Outshine Verstappen and Norris in Spa Sprint Qualifying?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Oscar Piastri's stunning lap time of 1m 40.510s in Spa Sprint Qualifying puts him ahead of renowned competitors Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. As the anticipation builds for the Sprint, Piastri's performance is a thrilling highlight in the world of Formula 1 racing.
Key Takeaways
- Oscar Piastri led Sprint Qualifying with a time of 1m 40.510s.
- Max Verstappen and Lando Norris followed closely behind.
- Charles Leclerc finished as the best of the rest.
- Lewis Hamilton faced challenges, finishing in 18th place.
- The stage is set for an exciting Sprint on Saturday.
Stavelot (Belgium), July 25 (NationPress) — Oscar Piastri showcased an extraordinary performance by clinching the top spot in Sprint Qualifying with a remarkable lap time of 1m 40.510s, finishing ahead of Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Initially, Norris set the standard with a time of 1m 41.128s, which was subsequently surpassed by Verstappen’s 1m 40.987s. Nonetheless, Piastri’s late surge firmly established him at the top of the leaderboard.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc secured the position of best of the rest, nearly eight-tenths behind the leader. Esteban Ocon shone for Haas, finishing in fifth place, while his teammate Oliver Bearman claimed seventh, separated by Carlos Sainz in the Williams. Pierre Gasly from Alpine rounded out the top eight following an impressive Q2 performance, while Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) and Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber) completed the top ten.
Despite topping Q2 with a time of 1m 41.412s, Norris could not match Piastri's pace in the final session. Piastri narrowly avoided elimination when his first Q2 lap was disqualified for exceeding track limits at Eau Rouge. His subsequent lap of 1m 42.169s allowed him to sneak into Q3, just 0.041s ahead of Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson in 11th place.
Joining Lawson on the sidelines were Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull), George Russell (Mercedes), and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, who finished 14th and 15th, respectively.
A significant surprise occurred in Q1, where Lewis Hamilton experienced a high-speed spin at the final chicane, leaving him in 18th place and out of contention early on. He was accompanied by Alex Albon, who narrowly missed the cut, along with Nico Hulkenberg, Franco Colapinto, and Kimi Antonelli. The young Mercedes driver had a spin at Stavelot and continued on damaged tires, finishing far off the pace.
The stage is now set for Saturday’s Sprint, with Piastri leading the charge.
Point of View
Oscar Piastri's performance in Spa Sprint Qualifying is a testament to the rising talent in Formula 1. His ability to excel under pressure, especially against seasoned competitors like Verstappen and Norris, highlights an exciting evolution in the sport. As fans, we should celebrate these emerging stars who continue to raise the bar in motorsport.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Oscar Piastri's lap time in the Sprint Qualifying?
Oscar Piastri clocked a remarkable lap time of 1m 40.510s.
Who were the top three finishers in the Sprint Qualifying?
The top three finishers were Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris.
What happened to Lewis Hamilton during the qualifying?
Lewis Hamilton experienced a high-speed spin at the final chicane, finishing in 18th place.
Who was the best of the rest behind the top three?
Charles Leclerc was the best of the rest, finishing nearly eight-tenths off the pace.
What is the significance of Piastri's performance?
Piastri's performance signifies the emergence of new talent in Formula 1, showcasing his potential to compete at the highest level.
