McLaren Drivers Shine in 2025 Belgian Grand Prix Sprint Qualifying

Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium – On Friday, July 25, 2025, McLaren Formula 1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri delivered impressive performances during the Free Practice and Sprint Qualifying sessions of the highly-anticipated Belgian Grand Prix. The team showcased their competitive edge, with Piastri securing a pole position in the Sprint Qualifying, while Norris positioned himself solidly within the top three.

Following the Free Practice session, Piastri clocked a time of 1m42.022s over 23 laps, finishing in first place. In the Sprint Qualifying sessions, he continued to demonstrate his skills, achieving a remarkable 1m40.510s lap on Soft tires in SQ3, which earned him the pole for the Sprint. "I’m really pleased with that. The pace in the car has been strong all day, and I felt confident going into Sprint Qualifying. I had a little bit of a scare in SQ2, but we put it all together when we needed to, with a lap I was really happy with," Piastri stated following his performance.

Norris, meanwhile, finished Free Practice in third place with a time of 1m42.526s, 0.504 seconds slower than his teammate. Although he faced challenges in SQ3, Norris managed to secure a starting position that allows him to compete effectively in the Sprint. "We’ve got a good starting position for the Sprint tomorrow; however, I would of course like to be a bit further up. We’ve got some things to work on overnight, but it’s only Friday," Norris commented.

Team Principal Andrea Stella expressed satisfaction with the team's progress, noting, "It’s been a positive start to our Sprint weekend here in Spa. Oscar secured a deserved pole position, taking a step from the Medium to Soft tyre in SQ3 with a strong lap that capitalized on everything available in the car this afternoon." Stella emphasized that while Norris's performance was solid, there is room for improvement as the weekend progresses.

The upcoming Sprint race promises to be competitive, with weather conditions also expected to play a significant role in the dynamics on the track. As the team prepares for the Sprint and the Grand Prix Qualifying sessions, both drivers are focused on maximizing their performance to secure valuable championship points.

The Belgian Grand Prix is known for its challenging layout and enthusiastic fan base, making it a key event on the Formula 1 calendar. With McLaren's strong showing in the early sessions, expectations are high for the team as they aim to capitalize on their momentum during the remainder of the race weekend.

This year's Belgian Grand Prix not only serves as a critical point in the championship race but also highlights McLaren's resurgence in the competitive landscape of Formula 1, demonstrating their commitment to excellence and innovation in motorsport.