Max Verstappen overtook Oscar Piastri and drove “15 qualifying laps” to win the Formula 1 sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday (July 25, 2025) as Red Bull begins a new era without fired team principal Christian Horner.

Max Verstappen has conquered the sprint race at Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix to start Red Bull's new era with a win. On the first lap of the 15-lap contest, Verstappen used his Red Bull's superior top speed to draft past polesitter Oscar Piastri at Les Combes, much like the championship leader had feared before the start.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Formula One champion Max Verstappen won a "cat and mouse" Belgian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday in Red Bull's first race under the leadership of Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner's dismissal.