NORRIS' EXIT ERROR LETS PIASTRI IN

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

- PHILIP DUNCAN Press Association Reporter [e-mail]

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 - 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.

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen finished fourth, one place clear of Mercedes driver George Russell with Alex Albon an impressive sixth in his Williams.

Lewis Hamilton started 18th and finished seventh following a string of fine moves in the early inclement conditions.