Judges see Verstappen missing out 'despite best efforts'

13:35, 29 Jul

Updated: 18:53, 29 Jul

byKada Sarkozi

After a chaotic Belgian Grand Prix, Oscar Piastri managed to get back to winning ways. The Australian driver also topped the list of the F1 Power Rankings, together with another driver.

With the eighth victory in his career, the McLaren driver also managed to extend his lead in the drivers' standings ahead of his teammate, Lando Norris.

The five-judge panel write of the Australian's performance: "Having missed out on victory in the Sprint from pole, Piastri stamped his authority on Sunday's Grand Prix and instantly went on the attack, taking the lead on the first lap of racing from team mate Norris."

Piastri had to share P1 this weekend in this regard, as Alex Albon also achieved a 9.2 by the panel. Meanwhile, Norris is only ranked seventh, receiving an 8.0.

Max Verstappen shares only fourth place in this ranking together with Pierre Gasly, similarly to his results on last Sunday. The Dutchman also won the Sprint starting from P2 on Saturday, and received a grade of 8.6.

"Verstappen gambled on a low-downforce set-up for Saturday's Sprint, which yielded P2 on the grid, before snatching the lead from poleman Piastri on the run to Les Combes before hanging on against the faster McLarens. Only able to grab fourth for the Grand Prix with more downforce applied and despite his best efforts, the four-time and reigning World Champion was unable to find his way around Leclerc's Ferrari."

With his comeback on Sunday, Lewis Hamilton also managed to make the Top 10 this weekend, earning a 7.2. The Briton had a challenging weekend up to that point, getting eliminated both in SQ1 and Q1.

"After a pit lane start, the Ferrari driver transformed his weekend's fortunes with an impressive climb through the field, becoming the first driver to jump to slicks. His reward was P7 after being unable to find a way round Albon's Williams."

F1 Power Rankings - Overall Standings

With this mark, Piastri improves his season average to an 8.6, and leads in this regard as well. Verstappen is now tied for second place with Lando Norris, with both drivers having an 8.1.

Hamilton also improved two positions this weekend, and is now in P8.