Verstappen begins new Red Bull era with Belgian sprint win

The 27-year-old Dutchman, who started from second on the grid, seized the lead on the opening lap and then resisted all threats from series leader Oscar Piastri who had to defend attacks from McLaren team-mate Lando Norris who finished third. It was a consummate performance from Verstappen who ran with a low downforce set-up to give him a straight-line speed advantage – for which he was congratulated by Mekies, appointed on July 9 to replace Red Bull's former boss Christian Horner who was dismissed unexpectedly after 20 years at the helm.