Max Verstappen won the first race of the post-Christian Horner era at Red Bull, beating the McLarens of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in the sprint in Belgium.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Formula One champion Max Verstappen won a "cat and mouse" Belgian Grand Prix sprint on Saturday in Red Bull's first race under the leadership of Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner's dismissal.

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium -- Max Verstappen kicked off Red Bull's post-Christian Horner era with an impressive sprint race victory. Reigning world champion Verstappen passed Oscar Piastri on Lap 1 and then held off the Australian and his McLaren teammate Lando Norris to clinch the victory.