Verstappen begins new Red Bull era with Belgian sprint win
The world champion beat McLaren pole-sitter Oscar Piastri on Laurent Mekies' first race weekend as team principal since replacing sacked Horner a fortnight ago.
Lando Norris in the other McLaren was third.
"It worked out really well, I knew it was going to be tough keeping them (the McLarens) behind," said Verstappen.
"I couldnt afford to make any big mistakes. It's a sprint win but it still counts," added the Dutchman after his 12th career sprint win.
Piastri enjoyed a smooth getaway but Verstappen made his decisive pass down the Kemmel straight on the first of the 15-lap dash.
Piastri extended his lead in the drivers championship by one point to nine over Norris, with Verstappen 68 points adrift of the Australian
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