Lando Norris looked set for a strong weekend at Spa after producing impressive pace throughout practice. The reigning World Champion backed it up in qualifying with what many described as a “mega lap” to secure third on the grid.
Unfortunately for the McLaren driver, a power unit change resulted in a 10-place grid penalty, dropping him to 13th for Sunday’s race and turning what had looked like a podium opportunity into a recovery drive.
Norris wasted little time making progress through the field, picking off rivals with confidence as he worked his way towards the points. His strategy briefly put him in contention for an even stronger finish, but a late pit stop ultimately cost him valuable track position, leaving him to cross the line in seventh.
While it wasn’t the result he would have hoped for after showing such strong pace all weekend, Norris still salvaged important championship points. He leaves Belgium fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, just ahead of McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in sixth, and will be hoping for better fortune in Hungary.