Belgian Grand Prix

McLaren stars bring drama as F1 Belgian Grand Prix hit by INSTANT Safety Car

Sheona Mountford Sunday 27 July 2025 16:42

mclaren, lando norris, oscar piastri, graphic

McLaren stars Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri provided early drama at the Belgian Grand Prix as the F1 grid were forced to follow the safety car on the race start.

Following an hour long delay due to the wet weather and poor visibility, the Belgian GP finally got underway with the first four laps raced behind the safety car.

Piastri snatched the lead off Norris before the McLarens even made it into the Les Combes chicane, and the Australian driver rapidly extended his lead before the end of the fifth lap.

However, Norris reported a battery issue in his McLaren, which explained why Piastri managed to build a second in front of his team-mate.

Piastri gains early Belgian GP lead

Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc found himself under pressure from Max Verstappen in the early stages of the Belgian GP, who was on the hunt for a podium place.

By lap eight, Leclerc complained of oversteer on his Ferrari, while his team-mate Lewis Hamilton charged up the grid after a pitlane start.

The seven-time world champion proved his wet weather mastery as he quickly dispatched the likes of Carlos Sainz, Franco Colapinto and Nico Hulkenberg, with the track rapidly drying.

As the 10th lap of the grand prix approached questions over switching to slick tyres emerged, with the threat of rain dissipating for the time being.

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Lewis Hamilton McLaren FIA Lando Norris Oscar Piastri Belgian Grand Prix

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McLaren stars bring drama as F1 Belgian Grand Prix hit by INSTANT Safety Car

McLaren stars bring drama as F1 Belgian Grand Prix hit by INSTANT Safety Car

Piastri gains early Belgian GP lead