P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Oscar Piastri stamps authority in Belgian GP practice as Carlos Sainz suffers ‘critical problem’
Norris may be concerned about the McLaren duo using a new power unit in their MCL39s, as it is the final one they are allowed for the season. Piastri’s closest title challenger, Lando Norris, struggled on soft tyres, finishing half-a-second behind the Australian.
At the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Piastri set the fastest lap with a comfortable lead over Max Verstappen. Piastri also led in practice for the Belgian Grand Prix and sprint qualifying.
Carlos Sainz faced early troubles with a car problem and had to return slowly to the garage. Pirelli introduced a new compound for this weekend’s race, aiming for a two-stop strategy.
Verstappen and Tsunoda chose a medium compound in the beginning, while most drivers started with the hard. It was a tight competition with Leclerc and Piastri setting competitive times. Colapinto’s soft tyre laps improved his position on the timesheet.
