Norris Claims Belgian GP Pole Over Piastri, Hamilton Out Early

Lando Norris secured a sensational pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, narrowly edging out McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in a thrilling qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps. The session also saw a surprising early exit for Lewis Hamilton.

Why it matters

Norris's pole marks a significant moment for McLaren, demonstrating their strong pace and setting them up for a potential victory at one of F1's most iconic circuits. A front-row lockout highlights the team's upward trajectory. Hamilton's unexpected early elimination in Q1 adds a major twist, forcing him to fight from the back.

The details

• Norris delivered a masterful final lap on the challenging Spa circuit, just ahead of Piastri, securing McLaren's first front-row lockout since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
• The qualifying session was characterized by rapidly changing wet-to-dry conditions, demanding precision and adaptability from drivers.
• Lewis Hamilton struggled with grip in Q1, failing to advance to the second session, a rare occurrence for the seven-time world champion.

What's next

The Belgian Grand Prix race is set to be highly unpredictable, with McLaren starting from a dominant position. Hamilton faces a daunting task to recover through the field, and the ever-present threat of varying weather conditions at Spa could reshuffle the grid further.