Max Verstappen’s and Red Bull’s dominant season continued in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. Despite a grid penalty, the reigning world champion took the chequered flag, whilst Charles Leclerc secured a podium finish.

Verstappen has been untroubled since the Miami Grand Prix. In taking the chequered flag at Spa Francorchamps, the Dutch driver has registered an eighth consecutive victory and Red Bull’s 13th in a row as the manufacturer continue their record-breaking run. Sergio Perez’s second place capped a near-perfect weekend for Red Bull.

Verstappen took a five-place grid penalty and therefore started from sixth. It was Leclerc who was in the now unfamiliar position of being on pole, however, he couldn’t hold his lead for long. Despite a good start, Perez took the lead on the first lap due to the Red Bull’s unparalleled straight-line speed.

Leclerc best-of-the-rest

Slightly further back, a first-corner collision between Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz ultimately brought both drivers’ races to a premature end, whilst Verstappen made early gains, making his way quickly up to fourth.

Verstappen easily dispatched old foe Lewis Hamilton and then Leclerc before taking the lead from teammate Perez before the halfway mark. Despite a light rain shower, it was clear that the race was leading to a processionary conclusion.

Verstappen and Perez secured the one-two ahead of Leclerc. Despite Sainz’s misadventure on the opening lap, it was a largely positive weekend for Ferrari, who were rewarded for their work with a podium. Hamilton finished just behind in fourth.

Going into the summer break, Red Bull have won every race so far this season, and there are no signs of that unprecedented dominance relenting when Formula One returns in late August.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office