Verstappen wins Red Bull's first race since Horner's exit

Spa-Francorchamps: Formula One champion Max Verstappen won the Belgian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday in Red Bull's first race under the new leadership of Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner's dismissal.

McLaren's championship leader Oscar Piastri finished second, after starting on pole position, with the Australian increasing his advantage over teammate Lando Norris, who was third, to nine points.

Charles Leclerc was fourth for Ferrari with Haas's Esteban Ocon fifth and Carlos Sainz sixth for Williams. Haas's Oliver Bearman and Racing Bulls' Isack Hadjar completed the scoring positions.

Qualifying for Sunday's main grand prix at Spa-Francorchamps followed later on Saturday.