The change from August to July for our annual jaunt to the land of rain, in the hope of less rain, meant it was still raining for the Sprint Shootout - or Sprint Qualifying as I like to call it. The start of the session was delayed as it bucketed down. When we did start, all cars went out on Intermediate tyres...why not send them out earlier on Wet tyres?
There were no surprises for those who went out after the shorter first session: Zhou, Bottas, Tsunoda (the rise of Ricciardo), Hulkenberg and Magnussen.
In the second session, all drivers were again on Intermediate tyres, designed for a wet but drying track. Aston Martin threw the dice and switched to dry tyres, with Stroll. He handled it well for a few corners before being sent into the wall and bringing out a Red Flag and ending the session. Unfortunately Albon and Stroll's team mate Alonso, were out on their only laps sending both Williams, both Aston Martins and Ricciardo out.
Just as with Race Qualifying, Verstappen pulled out a great last minute lap to claim pole position as the last driver over the line. Rookie Piastri put his McLaren next to him; a fantastic lap as he hasn't been racing here for 3 years. Sainz took a rare victory over his team mate LeClerc as they line up 3rd and 4th. Norris was next, alongside a great job from Gasly. Then Hamilton and Perez, Ocon and Russell.
Everyone went for some lunch before the sprint race itself started. However just as it was due to start, the heavens opened and it rained again. The cars were parked on the grid, so the gazebos went up. Russell and Wolff had a little banter about the weather, starting with how sorry George felt for the crowd. It stopped raining and then started again. A rolling start sort-of started with the Safety Car leading them round on several formation laps. It felt like a very long time because this is Spa and the track is very very long. They kept going, even when Verstappen said they might be able to go for Intermediate tyres.
Finally Verstappen held his first place for the rolling start and led into a 12 lap race. Half the pack pitted, including second place man Piastri, who came out in 11th ahead of all the other stoppers. On the next lap, the other half pitted (apart from Ocon) and Verstappen came out behind Piasti, leading a grand prix for the first time. It was chaos in the pit lane and I'm amazed that no "unsafe release" penalties were awarded.
What would happen on Lap 3? Alonso, celebrating his 78th birthday, went into the wall and brought out the Safety Car. The whole day shows a dramatic demise for the team. On Lap 6 the race restarted and Piastri was unable to hold Verstappen off for more than a couple of corners. Behind them his team mate was overtaken by Hamilton, Sainz and then LeClerc. Ricciardo was running in 9th and just outside the top 8 places which receive points. Perez, having been the king of tyre management, couldn't warm them up. As Norris went for the overtake, he spun off and rejoined the track in 16th putting the rival for his seat into the points. Red Bull decided to pit and retire the car. Verstappen was also having problems with his tyres but not enough not to win the race.
Hamilton was given a rather unfair penalty for his overtake attempt on Perez. The final order was Verstappen, Piastri and Gasly (with the departing Alpine personnel putting in a good showing to add to their CVs).
No one seemed to know what the rules were for a Sprint format: not the FIA and not the Sky F1 team. As Piastri pointed out, he was delighted to be not-on-the-podium for this not-quite-a-race. The drivers were awarded their funny little plaque thingys. The luxe version of a Blankety Blank chequebook and pen.
There seem to be a number of contenders for the second two spots on the podium in the main race and there is always the hope that Verstappen will spin like Alonso did today, or be penalised like Hamilton was today as he comes though the pack from 5th. Maybe he will suffer damage like Perez or take a fever. I remember when these things used to happen but they don't seem to be happening to Max this season. It must be odd to be him at the moment: on top of your profession but aware that everyone is waiting for your downfall eagerly. He probably doesn't' realise though.
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