Piastri Slams Rolling Start After Winning Belgian GP: "I Was Disappointed"

Newsweek

7 days ago

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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McLaren driver Oscar Piastri secured another win at the Belgium Grand Prix, growing his lead in the Drivers' Championship, but he wasn't happy with every aspect of the race.
The race got delayed by more than an hour after rain poured down on the track. It eventually got started under a rolling start.
Pole-sitter Lando Norris controlled the pack behind him for the first four laps of the race under a safety car, much to the chagrin of Piastri.
Considering how poorly the modern Formula 1 cars deal with following behind another car, the lap one developments matter more than ever as the top four fight for the lead at the front.
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri waves after winning the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025.
McLaren's Australian driver Oscar Piastri waves after winning the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Spa, on July 27, 2025.
Photo byNorris's control meant Piastri was limited in his ability to attack on the opening lap, leaving the Aussie driver "disappointed."
"Once I knew I was close, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed," he said.
It was a rolling start because I thought that was going to take away some opportunity, but I got a good exit out of Turn 1, was able to stay close.
"When I was that close, I knew I was just going to lift a little bit less than Lando did and try and keep it on the track.
"And, yeah, it was a bit lively up over the hill, but, no, I managed to make it stick.
"And then from there, the tire helped me out. So, no, proud of my first lap."
The title leader showed his overtaking chops on the opening lap. He stayed patient and waited for Norris to have a slide before making the move.
Once Piastri got past his teammate, the race became straightforward with clear air in front of the Aussie and set the fastest lap of the race as soon as he got in front.
With his sixth win of the season, he leads the Drivers' Championship by 16 points, a solid lead with one more race until the summer break in August.
Belgium Grand Prix Results