"It was like 15 qualifying laps," claims Verstappen after his hard-fought victory at Spa

Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen beat the McLaren duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to take a sensational victory in the Spa F1 Sprint. F1Technical's senior writer Balazs Szabo delivers the reactions from the top three drivers.

Despite starting only from P2 on the grid, Max Verstappen has clinched his first Sprint win of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, holding on for victory after making an impressive overtake on championship leader Oscar Piastri during the opening lap of action.

Reflecting on his first sprint victory of the season, the reigning champion said: "Worked out really well, that is the only real opportunity you'll get against them so pleased to get it.

"I couldn't afford to make big mistakes, I had one tiny lock up in the last corner, but I'm pleased to keep them behind. Keeping faster cars behind, you have to drive beyond the limit of what is possible, it was like 15 qualifying laps!"

Speaking of his race, Piastri stated: "I tried my best to snake my way through the straights and not give too much of a tow, but I didn't have enough straight line speed. Still a good result, good points. Pretty happy, but a bit frustrated I couldn't get past.

"The weather is looking pretty bad for tomorrow which means you don't want to take off too much wing, but I don't want to repeat what I've just experienced either."

Commenting on his sprint race, Norris noted: "Not a lot going on, a bit of fun at the start with trying to overtake Charles. I could have maybe positioned myself a bit better. [Verstappen] drove a good race, so we'll have to see what we can do tomorrow.

"It is tough, I obviously hoped for a bit of battling or something but the Red Bull was too quick on the straight. We'll reassess and see what we can do."