McLaren 1-2 in Belgian GP Practice, Verstappen to Start From Back

McLaren showcased impressive pace at the Belgian Grand Prix as Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured a one-two finish in the second practice session. The British team’s performance was a stark contrast to the struggles they faced earlier in the season.

McLaren’s Resurgence

Norris, the faster of the two McLaren drivers, edged out Piastri by 0.215 seconds, with reigning world champion Max Verstappen in third. The Red Bull driver, however, faces a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding the allowed number of internal combustion engines.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were fourth and fifth respectively, but they were unable to match the pace of the McLarens. Mercedes, despite introducing upgrades, struggled with balance issues and finished sixth (Russell) and tenth (Hamilton).

Verstappen’s Grid Penalty

Verstappen’s grid penalty is a significant setback for Red Bull, who have dominated the 2023 season. The Dutchman has already secured his fifth internal combustion engine, exceeding the permitted limit. This means he will start the race from 10th position, giving his rivals a golden opportunity to challenge for victory.

Adding to the drama, Alpine announced that team principal Bruno Famin will be stepping down from his role by the end of August. The Frenchman took over the position at the start of the season following the departure of Otmar Szafnauer. A new team principal will be announced in due course.

Weather Forecast Adds Uncertainty

To add further intrigue to the weekend, the weather forecast predicts rain for Saturday’s qualifying session, which could significantly impact the starting grid. If the rain arrives, it will create opportunities for teams and drivers to make up ground and challenge for pole position.

The Belgian Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling event with McLaren’s resurgence, Verstappen’s grid penalty, and the unpredictable weather conditions all adding to the excitement.