Red Bull took victory in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen held off the McLarens to take the win.

Verstappen took his first win in an F1 race session since winning the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in May.

The race saw Verstappen pass pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on lap one, before the Belgian-born Dutch national held off Piastri and the second McLaren of Lando Norris to take the win.

Much of the race saw Piastri sit within Verstappen’s gearbox and apply pressure throughout, but it was not enough for the Australian to take the lead of the sprint, allowing Verstappen to win.

The result was Verstappen’s first win in a sprint race in 2025, with Red Bull also taking the victory in their first race after sacking team boss Christian Horner following the last F1 race at Silverstone three weeks ago. It also saw Verstappen pick up 8 points for himself and his team.

Team-mate Yuki Tsunoda finished the sprint in 11th position, having been unable to pass Liam Lawson ahead but able to hold off the Mercedes of George Russell behind.

Red Bull now go again for the full Belgian Grand Prix later today (27/07). After Saturday afternoon’s qualifying session, Verstappen will start from 4th, while Tsunoda begins in 7th – his best starting position since moving to the Red Bull senior team earlier this season.