The best countries to drive in, according to our long-serving motoring writer
Believe me, if you try to tackle the old Italian road-race routes, the Futa or Raticosa passes con entusiasmo in a roly-poly family car, your passengers will be green about the gills soon after the first corner…
Similarly, you'll need to rise early if you want to get up the vaunted Transfăgărășan Pass in Romania to avoid the Baden-Baden Sunshine Tours coaches, packs of Lycra-clad cyclists and leisure motorcyclists. But remember that, since this 56-mile vanity project of infamous former ruler Nicolae Ceaușescu, which took a decade to build and cost the lives of hundreds of military builders, goes from nowhere to nowhere, you'll encounter that whole circus on the way down. Irrespective of what time you set out.
If it's thrills you are after, believe me, they occur in the strangest of places. Luxembourg, for example, the mini-Ardennes; the twisting, open-curved roads of the Éislek area have hosted the launches of performance cars from the Ford Escort Cosworth to Ferraris. These are truly great roads, beautifully surfaced, with terrific rolling countryside and if the hospitality isn't the world's cheapest it certainly hits the spot.
Or try the Nürburgring. No, not the 13 miles and 154 corners of Germany's famous old Nordschleife racing circuit nicknamed 'Green Hell' by Jackie Stewart and open to anyone with the required €30-€35 (£26-£30), but the roads around it. These wind pleasingly through the Mosel region as you and your passenger stare up at the near-vertical sides of the valley wondering how on earth the winemakers harvest their grapes, before stopping to sample their work – or go to Restaurant Pistenklause and vicariously live through tall tales of a fast lap of the aforementioned fabled racing circuit over a stone-cooked steak.
You can travel through similar vertical wine-growing in the Portuguese Douro valley, although the roads are narrow and heavily congested, as various car makers have found when hosting launches in this picturesque region.
Japan and South Korea? Congested, although a tour of the DMZ border between North and South Korea is invigorating; just don't stop for too long. Tokyo's traffic jams are legendary, but at night the secretive Wangan racers come out and have a ball, although you need to be in the know to catch these displays of Japan's underground car culture.
China is frankly bizarre, with mobs of cyclists and electric scooterists to keep you on your mettle. The new concrete motorways have excellent surfaces, but the air pollution can obscure the lane ahead, which often contains a slow-moving truck or even a pony and trap.
For winter driving fun, head to the Scandinavian countries. The fjords of Norway are simply amazing, with winding roads around them and great views, all created (according to Douglas Adams in The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy) by the planet designer Slartibartfast. Be warned, however; Norway, Sweden and Finland have heavily policed roads with simply eye-popping fines. The same goes for Iceland, largely deserted and with great views, but you need to enjoy a 56mph maximum velocity.
If you want to go fast, try some ice lake driving where, as Finnish rally driving legend Rauno Aaltonen once told me: 'My father would send me to the shop in our family estate car and could never understand why when I returned the car's radiator was boiling while it was minus 20C outside…'
Heavy-handed speed enforcement is also true of France these days, where the Gendarmerie seems to regard the issuing of fines as part of our punishment for Le Brexit. All the same, the coastal roads of Brittany and the Atlantic coast are spellbinding as long as you travel before the start of French national holidays.
Coast roads are the perfect motoring experience wherever they are, from the 124-mile South African Garden Route along the Western Cape between Mossel Bay and Storms River, the Namibian Skeleton Coast (often obscured by fog and don't, just don't, run out of fuel – the clue is in the name), the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland (which includes the Giant's Causeway), the Pacific Coast Highway in California, the pea-shingled Argentinian highway to Tierra del Fuego, or the French Corniche travelling west out of Nice on the Côte d'Azur.
My money is on the Route Napoléon in the Alpes Maritimes, where the roads are quieter and you can find yourself diving down the old Monte Carlo Rally stages such as the Col de Vence, the Col de Turini, La Turbie or perhaps the other-worldly Mont Ventoux. All are heaven on earth if you really enjoy driving.
For those looking for one of the best coastal roads with food to match, however, I'd plump for Spain and the road northwards out of Barcelona to Tarragona and its Costa Daurada. The roads are well surfaced and curvaceous while there are some great restaurants tucked into the rocky bays.
The Alps can provide the most stunning scenery, but you need the timing of a great comic. Find yourself behind the Elvis Tribute Monkey Bike display team or similar hazard on the upper reaches of the Stelvio Pass in high summer and you'll rue the day you ever decided to tackle it.
The Pyrenees between France and Spain are equally as challenging, just not as imposing or as busy. The Basque Country has its own charm, from where you can pop down to Spain and try the famous Rioja wines.
For those in search of adventure and more testing driving routes, dip a toe into the Sahara, though not too far. Start with Marrakech and work your way south. There's a ferry from the bottom of Spain to its own 'Gibraltar' in Morocco, then cross the border and drive for miles along the coast road to end up in the bazaars and the Majorelle blues of Marrakech, before taking in adventure driving aplenty in the Atlas Mountains. Land Rover has used the Atlas range for several launches in the past.
For me, northern France and Belgium still have some of the finest seafood, quietest roads and most hospitable eateries. You can detour to see the Champagne caves at Epernay and sample the goods, but the less pretentious Route du Cidre in Normandy has the distinction of being the scene of Ford's most expensive-ever launch, for the first-generation Focus in 1999.
It's often best to shun the oft-travelled routes such as the Italian regions of Tuscany or Umbria and instead travel to the hills above Cuneo and Alba in the north-west, where on the sunny sides they grow the grapes for the famous Barolo wine and on the shady side the equally delicious Barbaresco.
My favourite countries to drive in
5. Canada
Can be congested in the season and snowy in the winter, but if you're into your endless plains, the massive tidal surges in the Bay of Fundy, the Yukon Highway 5 (Dempster Highway), it's all here. Great hospitality, good road surfaces and gorgeous colours in the autumn.
4. France
Whether it's La Route des Crêtes through the Vosges mountains, the Col de la Bonette through the Alps or the coastal roads in Normandy or Brittany, France seldom fails to deliver on the views, the well-manicured road surfaces and the fine repasts.
3. Scotland
From the North Coast 500 in its northern extremities, or just pootling around the lower parts, Scotland has it all; deserted moorland, winding roads, a James Bond connection, great food and a warm welcome. Just a shame you're often seeing it from behind a Dutch motorhome…
2. Italy
A perennial favourite with Telegraph readers, with good reason. The north has the Alps, the passes and the congested but lovely lakeside roads. The centre has Emilia-Romagna, one of the greatest launch pads for some of the most scenic roads and the gateway to Florence, Siena and Rome, then on to the south for parched roads and great seafood.
1. United States of America
A country founded on wheels, the USA remains one of the great driving countries. Whether it's the Cherohala Skyway, 43 miles of driving heaven from Tennessee meadows to a mile-high peak in South Carolina, or the 2,448-mile Route 66 which, as Chuck Berry sang, 'winds from Chicago to LA, more than 2,000 miles all the way; get your kicks on Route 66.'
And even if you aren't into the whole petrolhead mythology, few could fail to be unmoved by the genius of Highway One, the Pacific Coast Highway (my tip, do it from north to south because, in left-hand drive America, you'll get the best views this way). Get used to burgers, enjoy the accents and try to go for the less travelled paths such as the 'Big Sky' states of Montana or Dakota.
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Telegraph
16 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The 21 best things to do in Northern Ireland
It doesn't matter how you like to spend your time – birdwatching on a rugged island, pottering around a food market or getting active on a coastal hike – chances are, there's something that'll fit the bill in Northern Ireland. There are art galleries and unique museums, points of historical interest and a gorgeous coastline peppered with interesting landmarks. And alongside the more visited sights, there are the quirkier activities, like food tours and peaceful lake districts, as well as the attractions that don't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon – the Game of Thrones filming locations. Here are some activities to add to your list. All our recommendations below have been hand selected and tested by our resident destination expert to help you discover the best things to do in Northern Ireland. Find out more below, or for further inspiration, explore our guides to Northern Ireland's best hotels, restaurants, nightlife and beaches. Find things to do by type: Best for families Best for being outdoors Best free things to do Best for culture Best for food and drink experiences Best for families Titanic Belfast Step back in time Set on the very spot where the famous ship was built, this museum is a flashy, high-tech ode to all things Titanic. You walk through the journey of the liner, from construction to the sinking; the stories told both through interactive exhibits and personal stories. And it's all suitable for kids. Insider tip: If you're up anyway, book the early riser ticket, which offers a discount for the first time slot of the day. This includes entry to the restored SS Nomadic, the tender to the Titanic and the last remaining ship from the White Star Line. The MAC Let their imaginations run wild At The MAC (Metropolitan Arts Centre), you'll find a rotating series of exhibitions in the three gallery spaces, but there is also a whole heap of theatre performances, workshops and a schedule of specialised family activities, like baby time, drawing and crafts. These activities are mainly in the school holidays, but outside of those periods there are creativity stations and activity sheets for kids. Insider tip: While some of the specialised workshops are free and available on a drop-in basis, others have a fee and should be booked in advance – check the schedule ahead of time. Giant's Causeway Uncover mythical landscapes and wild climbs Depending on whose story you believe, the hexagonal basalt columns on the County Antrim shore were created by volcanic activity or an angry giant. But either way, these rock formations – perfectly symmetrical shapes stacked up against the wild coastline – are almost beggar belief. While you're free to roam the columns, you'll need to keep a close eye on the kids, as rogue waves are far from a rarity. Insider tip: If your kids aren't averse to a longer walk, the hike along the two-mile Red Trail gives you a great vantage point of the Unesco World Heritage site from the cliffs above. Crawfordsburn Country Park Explore a fairytale woodland There's a definite fairytale feel to this park, with thick woodland, winding pathways and a huge waterfall. It's an easy stroll with little kids, plus there's a picnic area and a woodland café. Walk the full trail and you'll end up at the beach, or you can stick to the wildflower meadows closer to the village. Insider tip: Pop into the thatched Old Inn afterwards, right by the entrance to the park – it dates back to 1614 and has plenty of cosy tables next to roaring fireplaces, and a bigger restaurant if you're looking for lunch. Best for being outdoors Rathlin Island Take a boat trip to a rugged island It's only a short hop from Ballycastle over to Rathlin and, as there are residents on the island, the ferry runs throughout the year. However, if you can time a visit to fall between April to July, you can see the resident colony of puffins. Stop by the seabird centre in the working lighthouse between April and August, while at other times, you hike around the island or pop into the craft shop. Insider tip: During the summer, there are minibus tours of the island available, if you'd rather not hike. Alternatively, you can rent a bike 15 minutes' walk from the ferry port. Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge Get a shot of adrenaline Gently swinging almost 100 feet above the sea, this rope bridge over to Carrick-a-Rede Island was first built back in 1755 – but don't worry, it's been upgraded since. The crossing itself doesn't take too long, but it's a thrill ride even for those who aren't scared of heights, with the waves crashing into the craggy, rocky shore below. Insider tip: You need to pre-book your tickets online, but bear in mind the bridge can close at short notice due to weather conditions, so don't be disappointed if your slot is cancelled. The Gobbins Walk a Victorian cliff-side trail Forget about your average walk by the sea. This trail clings to the edge of the cliffs on the Causeway Coast, taking you along a suspension bridge, through tunnels and under sections carved from the rock, with the sea to your side. The only way you could get closer to the cliffs is if you were rock climbing. Be warned that The Gobbins is periodically closed after storms or rockfall; check the website for more information. Insider tip: There are usually a few pairs of binoculars shared with your tour group, but bring your own if you want to get a closer glimpse at the seabirds. Fermanagh Lakelands Visit a romantic lake district This understated region to the west doesn't get too much attention, but that means you have more space to explore the calm, reed-lined lakes and tiny islands. Take a boat trip out on Lough Erne to see the 6th-century monastic ruins on Devenish Island, or walk the Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, a raised pathway known as the Stairway to Heaven. Insider tip: Book a night in one of the swish bubble domes in Finn Lough, where you can drink in the night skies from a four-poster bed or a roll-top bath. Strangford Lough Explore the lakeside mansions Considering it's so close to Belfast, Strangford Lough feels like a secluded paradise. There's plenty of interesting birdlife, but also two historic National Trust estates on its shoreline – Mount Stewart has impressive gardens and lavish interiors, and Castle Ward (better known by many as Winterfell in Game of Thrones) has a beautiful estate for walking. Insider tip: If you want to pop from one side of the lake to the other, take the ferry between Portaferry and Strangford to save driving all the way around. Best free things to do The Causeway Coast Embark on a road trip of epic proportions The Republic of Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way may get more attention, but the Causeway Coast, stretching 120 miles from Belfast over to Derry-Londonderry, is every bit as impressive. There are wild, wind-battered cliffs, sweeping white sand beaches and pretty harbours, and you don't need to drive the whole thing to get the full effect – just pick a section and follow the coastal road. Insider tip: If you want to see the coastline from a different perspective, book in for a kayaking tour with Causeway Coast Kayaking Tours, which runs trips from Ballintoy and under the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Belfast's street art Walk between impressive murals There are incredible pieces of street art around Belfast, with some of the best-known works found in and around the Cathedral Quarter. These range from giant, lifelike portraits that look like large-scale sketches, to multi-colour three-dimensional pieces reminiscent of the old Magic Eye books. There's even an annual street art festival, Hit the North, held each May. Insider tip: If you want a little more insight, take a guided street art walking tour with Seedhead Arts, whose artist guides know the stories behind each piece. Mourne Mountains Hike the peaks that inspired CS Lewis Whether you want to take a scenic road trip or lace up your hiking boots, the Mournes are home to some of the best views in Northern Ireland. The roads around the foothills are winding and narrow, and the gentle curve of the peaks is romantic, whatever the weather. Insider tip: The hiking trails in Tollymore Forest Park are ideal on more inclement days, as the majority of the walking is sheltered by the ancient trees. When you emerge, you get a killer view of the mountain range and the old Mourne Wall. Slieve Gullion Scenic Forest Drive Tick off some epic scenery on a quick spin It may only take you 20 minutes, but this linear, narrow mountain drive is one of the most scenic in the country. In the summer months, the undulating plains are thick with purple heather, and you get a great view down to Carlingford Lough, too. Plus, there are plenty of lookout points along the way where you can pull over to take in the views. Insider tip: If you don't want to see all the sights cooped up in the car, you can also cycle or walk the forest drive – it's just over six miles one way and a steep climb in places. Best for culture Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne Overlook the sea from a clifftop landmark It's one of the most photographed sights in Northern Ireland, despite the fact you can't even go inside. Modelled on the Temple of Vesta in Italy, this domed temple is right on the edge of the cliffs, built as a library for the Earl Bishop – or his niece, if you believe the scandalous rumours. It's occasionally open to the public for events, and is just as striking on the inside. Insider tip: There are plenty of walking trails on site and a great coffee shack in the car park, where you can pick up a flat white and a slice of Guinness cake. Game of Thrones Discover all the filming locations from the hit show You can't swing a dire wolf in Northern Ireland without hitting a Game of Thrones filming location. From tiny harbours and forests to coastal caves and the tree-lined Dark Hedges, numerous places doubled up as Westeros, particularly in the early seasons of the show. Take a self-guided drive using the free Game of Thrones Locations app, or go on a guided bus tour that departs from Belfast. Insider tip: Real fans will want to pay a visit to the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge, where you can see the sets, costumes and props up close. Traditional Music Trail Drift between pubs on a musical pub crawl There's loads of live music around Northern Ireland, but if you want a guided experience, then the Traditional Music Trail is a great option. You'll be led between traditional pubs in the pretty village of Ballycastle, catching various musicians playing the fiddle, tin whistle and Uilleann pipe in each cosy, fire-warmed space. Insider tip: Wherever you are, remember that an Irish trad session is something of a sacred space, so resist the urge to join in, unless asked, and avoid loudly chatting near a musicians' circle. Dunluce Castle Visit a striking clifftop ruin Sitting precariously on the edge of the cliffs, Dunluce Castle is a skeletal ruin but impressive nonetheless. Walk around what remains of this medieval structure and you can see remnants of its former life, like giant fireplaces and tall arched windows, as the waves batter below. Insider tip: Keep an eye out for the tiny wildflowers that grow in the grasses and around the old stone – there are several rare varieties, including the 'blue flower of Dunluce', which only grows between Dunluce and Ballintoy. Black Cab Tour Hear the stories of Belfast from the people who know it best The best way to get a handle on Belfast's history is to take a tour led by a chatty cabbie who knows the stories inside and out – because they lived through them. These casual tours take you around the city sights, the geographic tales peppered with snippets of gossip and historical tidbits, before ending up at the Peace Wall. Insider tip: You can fit up to six people in a cab, but most tours are based on a per person rate, so it's not that much more to go as a twosome. Return to index Best for food and drink experiences Old Bushmills Distillery Go behind the scenes at a historic distillery The oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world, this riverside spot is home to one of the best-known whiskeys on the planet. On a guided tour, you'll learn about how the whiskey is made, but the best part comes in the cosy old tasting room, where you'll get a taste of three of their single malts – book the premium tour for a taste of the good stuff. Insider tip: Head for a drink (or stay the night) at the nearby, but not affiliated, Bushmills Inn – the bar is lit by gas lamps and, unsurprisingly, there's a great selection of Bushmills on offer. St George's Market Wander around a historic marketplace This redbrick building is a cornerstone of Belfast life, and one of the last Victorian covered markets left in the country. There are stalls selling classic local fare like 'fifteens' (dense, sweet tray bakes made with 15 of each ingredient) and baps filled with all the components of an Ulster Fry. You can pick up fantastic regional produce, too. Insider tip: You can take a guided tour of the market every weekend to learn more about the history of the building, including its use as a morgue during the Second World War. Bear in mind the market is only open Friday to Sunday. Taste and Tour Delve into the Belfast food (and drink) scene Food tours can be hit or miss, but when you get good guides then you're onto a winner. The folks leading these Belfast and Holywood tours know every inch of the city and its food scene, with general tours leading you to all the best places to eat, with a few pubs thrown in the mix too. Insider tip: If you're more about drink than food, they also run specialised gin, craft beer and whiskey tours (not all at once), where you'll sample the best Irish artisanal tipples in different bars. Return to index How we choose Every attraction and activity in this curated list has been tried and tested by our destination expert, to provide you with their insider perspective. We cover a range of budgets and styles, from world-class museums to family-friendly theme parks – to best suit every type of traveller. We update this list regularly to keep up with the latest openings and provide up to date recommendations. About our expert Nicola Brady I'm originally from Sussex, and I went on holiday to Ireland 16 years ago and never came back. While I'm now based in Dublin, I spent a decade living on the Northern Irish border and still visit regularly.
Times
43 minutes ago
- Times
Oscar Piastri profits to extend title lead as Lando Norris blows pole
Oscar Piastri had watched Max Verstappen breeze past him on the Kemmel Straight in the sprint race and had feared the worst would happen again in the main event on Sunday. Instead, it was his team-mate who had that same helpless feeling, Lando Norris losing the lead in the first proper racing lap of the grand prix — after an 80-minute rain delay — Piastri nursing his medium tyres to the end of a dull race in a gloomy Spa. Piastri extended his championship lead to 16 points, so won't mind the lack of activity, barely even given a fright by his team-mate on the harder compound who again made mistakes running wide, in his eagerness to close the gap. The new normal for Red Bull without Christian Horner, their long-serving former team principal and CEO, was rather similar to the old one; Verstappen did not have the pace to challenge the McLarens and was stuck behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc eventually finishing fourth. The most notable difference was perhaps on the grid, with Jos Verstappen, who had been openly critical of Horner, relaxed and stood alongside new team principal Laurent Mekies. Horner was watching from home, the first grand prix in 405 events (and Red Bull's entire race history) that he had not attended. Lewis Hamilton produced an excellent recovery drive to finish seventh, having started in 18th. Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli and Fernando Alonso started from the pitlane having opted for new power unit elements which were not permitted within their allocation. This meant they were able to make set-up changes with view of the conditions, whereas the rest of the grid were left with the decision they made ahead of qualifying. Carlos Sainz joined them at the back of the field, having also made setup changes. Yet, as the cars lined up on the grid, teams were erecting gazebos as a sudden shower hit the track. Drivers reported poor visibility on the formation lap behind the safety car, so the race start was delayed. It is the spray from the cars which is the main issue, rather than the standing water or grip itself from the intermediate or wet tyres. Nonetheless, frustration remains at the idea of wet tyres essentially being made redundant because of the spray. There is hope that next year's new regulations could mean slightly less spray is produced from the back of the cars. It was not an afternoon which produced great interest for the television fan, or those that had braved the weather in Belgium. Drivers spent an hour and 20 minutes twiddling their thumbs in the garage, as a heavier rain shower on the radar prevented the FIA starting the race in a brief dry period. Eventually it stopped by 4.20pm local time with the race resuming behind the safety car. On lap five, racing began in earnest with a rolling start after pole sitter Norris was one of those to report on the radio that one side of the grid was drier than the other, suggesting a standing start would not be fair. It did him little favour though — as having used much of his battery pack on the restart, he was easily passed by his team-mate on the Kemmel Straight. Hamilton had very little to lose after what he described a 'weekend to forget', after spinning in sprint qualifying, finishing 15th in that short format race, and then exiting in 16th of main qualifying after exceeding track limits at Raidillon. He called it an 'unacceptable' individual error. He carved through the field to reach 13th by lap ten, and then was the first driver to make the crucial decision to pit for slick tyres on the drying track. That dropped him to 17th, but as soon as he navigated the first corners, it was evident it was the correct decision. He moved up to seventh, while the rest of the grid came into the pits. He still apologised to his team at the end of the race, for his error on Saturday. The leaders, apart from Norris, pitted for mediums on lap 13. Norris was asked by his engineer Will Joseph whether he would prefer the hard tyre, which could last until the end of the race — and having already lost time to his team-mate, the British driver took the risk. That began a slow and steady race to close the gap to Piastri, which gave the race a slight sense of jeopardy — in the end, the gap was simply too large to bridge.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Lando Norris blinked to hand advantage to Oscar Piastri in race for the F1 title - it's back to the drawing board for the Brit after Belgian Grand Prix, writes JONATHAN MCEVOY
It's back to the future for Lando Norris. A return to the psychologist's couch. And those championship-denting facts became clear out of the spray at 170mph when he lost the Belgian Grand Prix to Oscar Piastri. Just when you detect a smidgeon of a stiffening to his approach, as with his emphatic win in Austria last month, another reminder comes around the corner that McLaren have a Jackal in their team and that man exploding watermelons is Piastri, not the Briton. In a race delayed for 1hr 20min, for which the dangerous Spa-Francorchamps track was as culpable as cautious FIA officials, Norris's chance of victory lasted a handful of corners and half the Kemmel Straight. The safety car, under which the race finally started, withdrew. Norris, leading after taking pole, made a mistake at La Source, the opening corner. His wheelspin was seized on by Piastri, lying second, and he was all over his quarry as they steeplejacked the famous Eau Rouge corner and then into Raidillon. On to the straight, a fantail of water sprung from Norris's car into Piastri's face. But the Australian, seemingly unhampered by this potential disadvantage, pulled out left and made the pass stick. It was an exhibition of supreme guts. 'Lively,' smiled Piastri afterwards. 'He committed a bit more than me at Eau Rouge,' admitted Norris, the doomed runner-up. 'There was nothing I could do beyond that point.' The outcome was settled there and then, Piastri extending his championship lead to 16 points. Norris talked over the radio of a battery recharging problem. Perhaps, but it sounded too easy an excuse, a possible fact beside the point. At the deciding moment, he had blinked. Piastri had shown pluck in excelsis, and the disparity was all too predictable. On Thursday, in Norris's press dealings, you did not need to be Freud to read a vulnerability in him. That was not evident when he was in charge in Austria. His mind was laser focused then. This time he eschewed the value of 'momentum', as if running scared of it, or at least pushing it out of his mind. Well, momentum is a useful friend as Max Verstappen discovered when he won 22 of 23 races three years ago. It adds up to points at the very least. Piastri's heist gave him the right to go from intermediate tyres to slicks before Norris. Needing to try something different, Norris, alone of all the field opted for hard tyres. Piastri and the rest were on mediums. The cunning plan was that Norris could go to the end and that Piastri would need to stop. Baldrick might have dreamt it up for all it came to pass. Neither stopped again. The difference between tyre compounds is among the most overrated, over-analysed, wrongly read hokum in Formula One. Nobody knows for certain what tyre will be fastest or last longest. Most expert predictions as useful as a manifesto pledge. Anyway, Norris now has to pick himself up for Budapest next Sunday, the last stanza before the summer break. As it stands, it hard to resist the belief Piastri will claim his maiden title. His record of six wins to Norris' four buttresses this expectation. For the record, Charles Leclerc finished third for Ferrari, a place ahead of Max Verstappen, Red Bull's winner of the sprint race on Saturday. Elsewhere, a day of restoration for Lewis Hamilton. The rest of his weekend was dispiriting: he spun in sprint qualifying, finished it 15th, had a time deleted in qualifying proper, and started from the pits in 18th place. But, hurrah, he managed a fine seventh place, his performance echoing old virtuosities. Yes, he was powered by a new Ferrari engine, but in wet conditions he was quicksilver. He was first on to slicks and made immediate good use of them. At one point, he was one second faster than the next man. He pulled off overtakes with dexterity and looked an outside bet for a podium, which would have been his first in red. But his pace was blunted as the track dried and the race lengthened, but still an afternoon in the sun for him. As for the delay, Portuguese race director Rui Marques was, in a harsh assessment, something of a Nervous Nellie. The race could have started earlier than it did, and he deployed a safety car for too long when it eventually crawled into action. But, in fairness, Spa, an especially Eau Rouge, is a hazardous conundrum. Forty-nine fatalities in 100 years at this track attest to this. And then you add in the Ardennes' capricious weather. Not easy. In fact, Spa is the most overrated circuit in the world whatever its many disciples may contend. But that's a debate for another day. For now, all hail Oscar the brave.
