2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix highlights

F1 Grand Prix of Belgium – Practice & Qualifying
Red Bull Racing

 

Max Verstappen continued his march towards another world championship as he cruised to his eighth straight victory, while teammate Sergio Pérez finished in second to make it a fifth one-two of the season for Oracle Red Bull Racing at the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.

The Dutch ace started the race from fifth after being handed a grid penalty but eased his way to the front of the pack, overtaking Pérez on lap 17 and then steadily increasing his advantage before taking the chequered flag and securing his 10th win of the season.

Oracle Red Bull Racing has now won all 12 races this season, with Verstappen heading into the summer break with a 125-point title lead over his teammate. He will now have the chance to equal Sebastian Vettel’s mark of nine consecutive F1 wins in front of home fans when the season gets back underway at the end of August in Zandvoort.

Max Verstappen, Driver, Red Bull Racing

I knew that the car was going to be quick today, and this is one of the best tracks to drive when you have a good car. GP and I were having a laugh today, we’re honest with each other, and that’s how we operate. There’s no need to worry. The first half of the season has been much better than anyone would have ever dreamt of. How we are performing as a Team and winning so many races in a row is incredible. We’re definitely enjoying the moment, but we also want to keep this momentum and level for a long time, so hopefully, after the summer break, we’ll be strong again in Zandvoort.

Sergio Pérez, Driver, Red Bull Racing:

Today was a good day for the team. The race started really well, and then Max came through strong, especially on the second stint, where he pulled away. After he overtook, it was all about bringing it home for the team and managing the pace until the end. That was the main objective. I ended up slipping on turn 11 due to the tricky conditions, so we wanted to then look after the car, manage the tyres and keep the position. Two podiums in a row now, and our main objective is to continue to stay on the podium. We have the summer break to make sure we stay on top of things and have some time to reset. Max did a tremendous job, and it overall was a great team result. I am looking forward to the summer break and going into the second half of the season to come back even stronger.

CHRISTIAN HORNER – CEO and Team Principal, Red Bull Racing

We could never have dreamt of getting to summer break unbeaten. That’s never been achieved before. It’s all about teamwork and everybody doing their bit, and that’s what has happened through the first 12 races of the year. For Max, it’s another masterful win. He managed the race after making his way from P6 to take the lead in the second stint. Checo also had a brilliant first lap, taking the lead of the race and, in the end bringing home our fifth 1-2 of the season. All credit to everybody back in Milton Keynes, this result is their result, and the way they’re applying themselves is the reason that we’re making the history we’re currently making. We need to keep the intensity, but for now, everyone deserves the break, and then we come back hard in Zandvoort.

Red Bull Racing Honda best pictures:

2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: Red Bull Racing Team Principal Christian Horner, Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing and Red Bull Racing Team Consultant Dr Helmut Marko talks in the garage during practice ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: Sergio Perez of Mexico driving the (11) Oracle Red Bull Racing RB19 on track during practice ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing looks on in the garage during practice ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 28: Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing (C), Second placed qualifier Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari (L) and Third placed qualifier Sergio Perez of Mexico and Oracle Red Bull Racing (R) pose for a photo in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 28, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)

2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 30: Greg Reeson, Tyre Technician at Red Bull Racing and Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate on the podium during the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 30, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

SPA, BELGIUM – JULY 30: Greg Resson a tyre technician at Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and The Netherlands and Sergio Perez of Mexico and Red Bull Racing during the 2023 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 30, 2023 in Spa, Belgium. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)




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