Oscar Piastri delivered an electrifying performance at Spa-Francorchamps, snatching pole position for the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix sprint race with a stunning new track record. The McLaren driver’s lap was 0.477 seconds clear of reigning champion Max Verstappen, putting him at the front of a grid packed with surprises and rookie standouts.

How the Belgian Sprint Grid Was Decided

Qualifying for the sprint was held under clear skies, but the session was anything but calm. SQ1 saw drama unfold as Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli spun into the gravel, leaving him stranded at the very back of the grid. Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton also endured a nightmare session, spinning on his final flying lap and qualifying only 18th. The surprises continued in SQ2, with George Russell missing the cut for the top 10 after a tightly contested session. Meanwhile, Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman, as well as Williams’ Carlos Sainz, advanced to SQ3, highlighting the unpredictable nature of this year’s sprint format.

Rookies Shine in SQ3

The final shootout for pole featured several fresh faces, including Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto. Both put in impressive laps, qualifying ninth and tenth, respectively. Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg, however, failed to make it past SQ1, underscoring the challenging conditions at Spa.

Full 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Starting Grid

Below is the provisional starting order for the sprint race, pending any stewards’ decisions regarding Yuki Tsunoda, George Russell, and Pierre Gasly, who have been summoned for investigations:

1. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
3. Lando Norris (McLaren)
4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
5. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
6. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
7. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
8. Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri)*
9. Isack Hadjar (AlphaTauri)
10. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
11. George Russell (Mercedes)*
12. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)*
13. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
14. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
15. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

*Positions may change pending steward investigations.

Key Talking Points from Qualifying

• Oscar Piastri sets fastest-ever lap at Spa-Francorchamps for sprint pole.
• Max Verstappen lines up alongside, undeterred by team controversies.
• Rookies Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto impress in top 10.
• Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton faces another difficult weekend after a costly spin.
• Haas and Williams emerge as surprise contenders in SQ3.

What to Watch for in the Belgian GP Sprint

With Spa’s unpredictable weather and high-speed corners, the sprint race promises drama from lights out to the final lap. Keep an eye on:

• Whether Piastri can convert pole into a sprint victory.
• How Verstappen responds from P2, given his proven racecraft at Spa.
• The impact of any grid penalties handed down by race stewards.
• Rookies and midfield teams looking to capitalize on their strong qualifying results.

Conclusion

The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix sprint grid sets the stage for a thrilling showdown, with established stars, rookies, and midfield surprises all poised to make an impact. Stay tuned for updates on steward decisions and the latest F1 developments.