Piastri delighted with P2 in Belgium Sprint

Max Verstappen triumphed at the Belgium Grand Prix Sprint race, but it was rookie Oscar Piastri, who drew all the attention of the paddock with an exceptional performance, which saw him finish P2.

What a weekend Oscar Piastri is having 💪#BelgianGP #F1Sprint pic.twitter.com/cSkgWtWlQN

— Formula 1 (@F1) July 29, 2023

The Aussie also congratulated himself with leading a couple of laps after diving into the pits first and undercutting Verstappen. The 22-year-old became the first rookie since Esteban Gutierez back in 2013 to lead a lap in a race.

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Verstappen did eventually reclaim the lead after an overtake on the Kemmel straight, but nevertheless, Piastri’s performance still stood out.

“I’m very, very happy,” said Piastri after the race. “We tried our best. We boxed when the Safety Car came in, led a few laps, but we were no match for Max.

“It’s nice to be up there in P2. I think apart from Max our pace was really strong. Full credit to the team again. The last three weekends we’ve had have been pretty special compared to where we have been, so I can’t thank them enough for the car.”