Oscar Piastri feels "more of a threat now" to teammate Norris

The race, held from July 25-27, is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in what has already been a thrilling season.

Piastri, currently leading the 2025 Formula 1 standings, enters Spa with an eight-point lead over his McLaren teammate Lando Norris. The internal team battle has been intense, with Norris recently closing the gap after consecutive victories in Austria and Great Britain.

The British Grand Prix, in particular, was a bittersweet moment for Piastri, who was in contention for a win until a safety car infringement led to a penalty, handing the victory to Norris. This, however, has only fueled the young Australian's determination. As Norris himself stated, "I feel more of a threat now," acknowledging Piastri's sustained challenge.

The Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, known for its challenging high-speed corners and unpredictable Ardennes weather, offers a unique test for drivers and teams. McLaren, as a team, is currently dominating the Constructors' Championship, having already secured five wins and ten podiums in the first half of the season. This strong performance, coupled with Piastri's consistent progress in both tyre management and qualifying, makes him a formidable contender for the Belgian Grand Prix. He has not qualified outside of the top four this season, a testament to his improved performance and calm demeanor under pressure.

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Looking back at recent form, Piastri finished second at Spa in 2024, demonstrating his capability on this demanding circuit. With McLaren appearing to have a strong grip on their car's performance, especially in tyre management, they will be looking to carry this momentum into the crucial pre-summer break double-header. The 2025 Belgian Grand Prix will also feature the Sprint format, meaning only one practice session before Sprint Qualifying, adding another layer of unpredictability and pressure for teams to optimize their setups quickly.

While Max Verstappen, a three-time winner at Spa, cannot be ruled out, and Ferrari is expected to bring key upgrades, the primary narrative heading into this weekend revolves around the McLaren duo. Piastri's resilience and consistent performance, even after recent setbacks, indicate his unwavering focus on the Drivers' Championship. For Australian motorsport enthusiasts, the Belgian Grand Prix presents an exciting opportunity to witness their home-grown talent battling at the very sharp end of Formula 1. Whether Piastri can extend his lead or Norris will continue his winning streak, one thing is certain: the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix promises to be a captivating spectacle.