What F1 Drivers Said Before the Belgian Grand Prix

Verstappen and Piastri Talk About the Rumors

Before the Belgian Grand Prix this weekend, two big F1 drivers were asked about some news stories going around.

• Max Verstappen said: “there’s nothing to say” about the reports.
  • He was talking about rumors linking him to possibly staying at his team, Red Bull.
• Oscar Piastri said he was happy with the reassurances given by Zak Brown (his team boss).

On Thursday’s media day at Spa (the race track in Belgium), Piastri, who is from Australia, said:

"I trust in what Zak [Brown] and Andrea [Stella] have said to me and the belief in me as well. I’m happy with where I am, with the team around me and how things are going. Appreciate their belief, support and trust."

Piastri Wants to Bounce Back at Spa

Piastri had a tough time at the last race in Silverstone. Here is what happened:

1. On the very first lap, he was in a collision (a crash with another car).
2. He had to make an unscheduled pit stop (a surprise visit to the garage to fix or change tires).
3. Because of that, he scored zero points.

But this weekend he is back at Spa, a track where he won last year. He is hopeful about a few things:

• If other drivers struggle, he can “pick up the pieces” (take advantage and do well).
• His team, McLaren, plans to bring upgrades (new car parts) for the next race in Hungary, which should make them faster.

Where Does Piastri Think the Car Stands?

Piastri was honest about his car’s speed right now:

• He said: “For this weekend I’m not sure where we’re going to sit.”
• He thinks they will be similar to before: about the third or fourth quickest car, depending on how fast Red Bull is.
• He added: “That’s just the reality of where we are at the moment.”

About the future, he said:

"Going forwards, hopefully the new parts we can bring to the car will help us out. We’re under no illusion that we’re going to need more than the upgrades we’re bringing the next few races but hopefully, it’s a positive step in the right direction and we can at least be there to pick up the pieces."

Important Point: Piastri knows the new parts alone won’t make them the best, but they are a step in the right direction and he trusts his team.

Summary

Before the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen stayed quiet on Red Bull rumors, while Piastri said he trusts his bosses and is happy at McLaren. After a bad race at Silverstone, Piastri hopes to do better at Spa, where he won last year. He admits the car is currently third or fourth fastest but expects upgrades soon to help them improve.

FAQ

1. What did Verstappen say about the rumors?
He said “there’s nothing to say” about the reports on possibly staying at Red Bull.

2. Why is Piastri happy with his team?
Because Zak Brown and Andrea Stella reassured him and showed belief and support in him.

3. What went wrong for Piastri at Silverstone?
He crashed on the first lap and made an extra pit stop, so he scored no points.

4. What are “upgrades” in F1?
They are new parts added to the car to make it faster or better.

5. Where does Piastri think McLaren ranks in speed now?
Around the third or fourth fastest car, depending on Red Bull’s speed.