Verstappen Blitzes, Piastri Fails at The Belgian GP

*Image source: Formula 1

Verstappen started in the third row, but he wasn't staying there. Despite a grid penalty for a new gearbox, he was leading the pack by lap 16. He took the top spot from his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez, who’d managed to steal it from Ferrari's Charles Leclerc at the get-go.

Opening Drama

Leclerc kicked things off maintaining his pole advantage, leading Perez and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes. Drama unfolded quickly when Oscar Piastri’s McLaren took a hit at the first corner, colliding with Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and the inside wall, leading to an early retirement.

Perez and Verstappen's Battle

Perez wasn't hanging around - he stormed past Leclerc on the Kemmel Straight. Verstappen, starting from sixth, was soon up to fourth thanks to the collision between Sainz and Piastri. Perez led comfortably early on, but Verstappen soon joined the front-runners.

Mid-race Developments

Verstappen was on fire, passing Hamilton and Leclerc in quick succession to claim second. Hamilton, Perez, and Leclerc made their pit stops with Verstappen following a lap later. By lap 16, Verstappen was reeling in Perez and made his move, taking the lead before the race had even reached the halfway mark.

Battle for the Remaining Positions

Meanwhile, George Russell from Mercedes overtook Lance Stroll from Aston Martin for the sixth spot. Some further back-and-forth action saw Yuki Tsunoda from AlphaTauri also making progress.

Rain Scare and Final Stages

Rain made a brief appearance at lap 18, causing Verstappen a minor scare, but it was just a passing shower. The final stages saw some pit-stop drama involving Hamilton and Leclerc, but the Red Bulls were smooth sailing, with Verstappen maintaining a solid lead.

Race Finish

Verstappen finished a cool 22 seconds ahead. Behind Perez, Leclerc just about managed to resist Hamilton's challenge. Following them were Alonso, Russell, and Norris. Esteban Ocon made a couple of smart late moves, and Hamilton added a final twist by snatching the fastest lap from Verstappen at the end. 

Piastri's Disappointing Turn of Events at the Belgian GP

The hopes of the Australian F1 rookie, Oscar Piastri, were dashed at the Belgian Grand Prix, coming to an end at the very first turn.

After demonstrating promising form, including being the first rookie driver in a decade to lead an F1 race, Piastri's aspirations for a podium were high. Starting fifth, he looked in good shape, but then came the squeeze at Turn 1.

Who was at fault? ????

Carlos and Oscar offer differing views on the Turn 1 incident that ended both their races #BelgianGP #F1 https://t.co/AH1nSe6lD3
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 30, 2023

Carlos Sainz locked up his brakes and forced Piastri into the wall. The result? Serious damage to his McLaren, ending his race almost before it had begun.

"I’ve got damage," he said on the team radio.

Even more telling was his frustration with Sainz, 

I don’t know what he was doing. I was there and he just turned in like I didn’t exist.

Opinions and Reactions

Commentators and fellow racers had much to say about the incident.

David Croft of Sky Sports noted the ruined race, 

His race absolutely ruined after tangling with Carlos Sainz at La Source."

Martin Brundle analysed, 

I think Oscar Piastri hit the wall inside the first corner with the squeeze down there with Carlos Sainz. That can happen.”

Race officials chose not to investigate, and Sainz's later retirement added a twist to the drama.

Blame and Analysis

Sainz pointed at Piastri's inexperience, stating, 

Maybe a bit of an experience mistake but it’s how it goes... I think in my opinion it was a bit optimistic.”

Piastri's response was more measured, 

It’s I guess a Turn One, Lap One incident... Once Carlos went to the right and locked up, it didn’t leave me too many options going into the corner... Just a shame to be out so early.”

Experts' opinions were divided. While some saw it as an unfortunate racing incident, others, like Naomi Schiff of Sky Sports F1, felt there was a lesson to be learnt. 

Don’t be too greedy... It’s a tricky one. Racing incident as they said, but there’s always something to learn,” she observed.