Lando Norris conceded that his lack of commitment cost him the Belgian Grand Prix on the opening lap of a rain-affected race. Adverse weather conditions at Spa-Francorchamps led to a 90-minute delay as race control deemed the track too dangerous.
Oscar Piastri seized the opportunity with a decisive move during the rolling start, clinching victory on the same stretch where he had lost to Max Verstappen in the Sprint race. Piastri’s strategic maneuver propelled him 17 points ahead of his McLaren teammate and Formula 1 championship rival.
Norris acknowledged Piastri’s superior performance, recognizing his rival’s bold approach through Eau Rouge that secured the victory. Despite his disappointment, Norris commended Piastri for his well-deserved win.
Piastri initially thought his chance to overtake had vanished after the cautious decision for a rolling start. However, he managed to outwit his opponent and execute a crucial move to claim victory.
Although Norris opted for hard tires during the drying track conditions, Piastri and others on medium tires gained an advantage towards the end. Despite making three late mistakes, Norris finished just over three seconds behind.
In retrospect, Norris expressed contentment with his performance, highlighting the necessity to push boundaries in racing. He accepted the errors as part of the sport and acknowledged his overall strong performance during the race.
Charles Leclerc secured the final podium spot, while Verstappen settled for fourth in Red Bull’s first Grand Prix without Christian Horner. Verstappen criticized the FIA for their cautious approach, believing it stifled the potential for a more thrilling wet race.
Verstappen voiced his frustration at the delayed start, advocating for a balance between caution and the excitement of wet races like the one witnessed at Silverstone.
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Overall, the race at Spa-Francorchamps showcased competitive racing amidst challenging weather conditions, with drivers navigating strategic choices and adapting to the evolving track conditions.