SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS: Series leader Oscar Piastri grabbed an early lead and extended his title advantage on Sunday when he drove to a perfectly-controlled triumph ahead of McLaren team-mate and title rival Lando Norris at a rain-delayed Belgian Grand Prix.

The 24-year-old Australian managed his tires expertly to remain out of reach in the closing laps as the Briton, 25, who had started on pole, closed in on a harder-wearing compound, finishing 3.415 seconds clear as McLaren reeled off their sixth 1-2 in a dominant season.

It was Piastri’s first win at the classic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, his sixth this season and the eighth of his career, extending his lead in the drivers’ championship to 16 points after 13 of this season’s 24 races. For McLaren, it was a 10th win this year.

Charles Leclerc came a solid third for Ferrari ahead of four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull, under the race leadership of new team boss Laurent Mekies for the first time, and Mercedes George Russell.

Alex Albon clung on to finish sixth for Williams ahead of chasing seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari, who started from the pit lane, and Racing Bulls’ rookie Liam Lawson.

Gabriel Botoleto was ninth for Sauber ahead of Pierre Gasly of Alpine.

“That was lively,” said the cool Piastri, who swept past Norris on lap one.

“Very lively. I knew that lap one was probably my best chance of winning the race. I lifted a little as I went through Eau Rouge and then it was enough.

“The rest of the race we managed really well. Maybe the medium wasn’t the best in the last five-six laps, but we had it almost under control! I was disappointed after yesterday, but it turns out that starting second was not too bad.”

Norris conceded he couldn’t have won.

“Oscar just did a good job — there’s nothing much more to say. He was committed a bit more in Eau Rouge and that was it. Oscar deserved it today.”

Leclerc said: “Max was behind me all race within two seconds so it’s never easy. I knew the first part was the trickiest and I’m pretty happy we managed to keep that third place.”

The race began, after an 80-minute delay due to heavy rain, with the entire field on intermediates to run for four laps behind a safety car, clearing standing water.

Four drivers started from the pitlane — Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton — having made changes to their power units or set-up overnight. They began at the rear of the field ahead of the rolling start at the start of lap five.

As the lights went green, Norris powered away to lead through La Source, but he was unable to resist when Piastri sneaked out of his slipstream to take the lead going into Les Combes chicane.

“Why do I have no pack?” asked Norris, realizing he lacked electric power. “We used a lot on the safety car re-start,” McLaren responded.

On lap 12, Hamilton was the first in for medium slick tires, rejoining 18th, followed by Piastri, Leclerc, Verstappen, Russell and more. Norris stayed out one lap longer for hards, hoping to profit if his rival’s rubber degraded in the closing laps. He was the only one.

By lap 15, everyone else had switched to mediums and it was Piastri on top ahead of Norris by 9.3 with Leclerc third leading Verstappen, Russell, Albon and... in flying form, Hamilton.

As Norris closed in, Piastri said his tires were already degrading. “I think it will be tough to get to the end,” he told race engineer Tom Stallard, raising the prospect of a dramatic finale.

On lap 26, Norris slid wide at Puhon, falling back to nine seconds adrift before remounting his charge. It was a process of marginal gains as Piastri managed his tires.

Norris was close but Piastri’s craft and calm prevailed.

ALAIN: Day 6 of the IMMAF Youth World Championships featured action in the Youth A (16-17 years) category, as the competition heads into its final stretch with Ukraine at the top of the medal table.

The International Mixed Martial Arts federation tournament is taking place in the Al-Ain region for the first time, under the patronage of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.

In Saturday’s bouts, defending champions Ukraine held their lead and remain favorites to retain the title. England delivered another strong showing to stay close behind, while Tajikistan rounded out the top three.

Mohammed Jasem Al-Hosani, member of the MMA committee at the UAE Jiu-Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts Federation, said: “The sixth edition of this championship reflects the UAE’s growing stature on the global mixed martial arts map. It sets a benchmark in professional organisation, community engagement, and international participation. The strong turnout and competitive spirit we’ve seen over the past week highlight the success of the federation’s strategy to grow the sport and prepare new generations to represent their nations in elite competitions.”

Gillian Pensavalle, mother of Valentina Pensavalle, who won gold in the Youth A bantamweight (61kg) division, said: “We came all the way from England to take part in this important championship. We’re thrilled with the result and proud of the gold medal. It took a lot of preparation and hard work. We’ve really enjoyed the experience. Al Ain region is a beautiful place, and the atmosphere at the event has been incredible. We’re already looking forward to coming back next year.”

The IMMAF Youth World Championships conclude on Sunday with the final bouts in the Youth A category. These matches will determine the final medal standings.