Red Bull’s Verstappen sprints ahead in Spa

Max Verstappen after winning the sprint race on Saturday. Pic/AFP

Max Verstappen welcomed new Red Bull boss Laurent Mekies to the race team on Saturday with an immaculate gift-wrapped triumph in the sprint race at the Belgian Grand Prix.

The 27-year-old Dutchman, who started from second on the grid, seized the lead on the opening lap and then resisted all threats from championship leader Oscar Piastri who had to defend attacks from McLaren team-mate Lando Norris, who finished third. The leading trio were separated by only 1.4 seconds at the finish.

"That worked out really well. We got an opportunity at turn five and took it. It was cat and mouse with battery usage and I couldn't afford to make any mistakes. But we did it," said a delighted Verstappen.

However, later on Saturday, Norris claimed pole position in qualifying for Sunday's race. Verstappen had to satisfy himself with a fourth-place start.

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