Oscar Piastri dedicates Belgian GP victory to grandfather with heartfelt champagne note

Why it matters

Oscar Piastri secured his sixth season win and eighth F1 career victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. He dedicated this win to his grandfather, a performance that levels him with Daniel Ricciardo's win tally and significantly extends his championship lead over teammate Lando Norris.

Race Highlights

The Belgian GP faced an 80-minute rain delay and Safety Car laps. Piastri, starting behind pole-sitter Lando Norris, made a bold first-lap overtake through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, seizing the lead on the Kemmel Straight.

• Strategic Gamble: Piastri pitted early for medium tyres on a drying track, while Norris chose hards. Piastri skillfully managed his mediums, fending off Norris's relentless pursuit.
• Victory Secured: Despite Norris's pressure, exacerbated by a slow pit stop and later mistakes, Piastri held on for a five-second victory, securing another McLaren one-two finish.

A Touching Dedication

Post-race, Piastri wrote on a champagne bottle: "To Grandad. I guess you need to come to races more often too!" He explained this was his grandfather's first race outside Australia, a personal touch mirroring a similar dedication after his successful Spanish GP.

Championship Outlook

Piastri now leads the drivers' championship with 266 points, ahead of Norris (250) and Max Verstappen (185). His eight F1 wins tie Daniel Ricciardo's career total. Next, Formula 1 heads to the Hungarian Grand Prix, site of Piastri's maiden F1 win last year.