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.

Red Bull Racing Formula One driver Yuki Tsunoda received a last-minute upgrade on his RB21 F1 car ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps. New Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies took the call to boost Tsunoda's performance and confidence, which became evident with his Q3 result.

Max Verstappen's engine parts have also been replaced for the Belgian Grand Prix. However, the Dutchman will not receive a penalty for that. The FIA have revealed the parts changed or replaced since qualifying under parc fermé.

Max Verstappen said Red Bull could always count on him, as the four-times Formula One champion gave new team boss Laurent Mekies a winning start in a Saturday sprint at the Belgian Grand Prix.

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen shockingly managed to split the two McLaren drivers during the sprint race qualifying for the Belgium Grand Prix

Major headlines include updates to Max Verstappen’s potential Mercedes move, as well as some potential changes to the F1 rulebook. Rumours have abounded that reigning champion Max Verstappen is in discussions with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff regarding a possible move to the team in 2026.