Formula One Norris has to settle for second after error on opening corner

LANDO Norris’ world championship bid was dealt a blow in Belgium after he allowed rival Oscar Piastri to breeze past him and win Sunday's rain-hit Grand Prix race.

- Philip BROWN

The start of the 13th round in Spa-Francorchamps was delayed by one hour and 20 minutes due to heavy rain in the Ardennes.

But when it eventually got under way - following four precautionary laps behind the safety car - Bristol-born Norris was found wanting when a sloppy exit at the opening La Source corner provided Piastri with a race-winning opportunity too good to turn down.

Despite being in Norris’ spray, Piastri held his nerve and kept his foot on the accelerator at 170mph up through Eau Rouge and into Raidillon before jinking to his left and sailing clear of his McLaren teammate on the Kemmel Straight.

It was brave and superb in equal measure from Piastri but one Norris will be disappointed after seeing the his rival’s championship advantage increase from nine points to 16 ahead of the final round before the summer break in Hungary next weekend.

Norris crossed the line 3.4 seconds behind Piastri with Charles Leclerc third for Ferrari.