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The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps delivered a thrilling race and a significant shift in the Formula 1 landscape, with Oscar Piastri’s stunning victory throwing McLaren’s internal title battle into sharp focus. While Piastri celebrates a well-deserved win, all eyes are now on Lando Norris, who faced a challenging race and is feeling the heat after a series of errors that cost him valuable points.

Norris started the race from pole position, a testament to McLaren’s impressive pace in qualifying. However, the notoriously unpredictable Spa circuit threw a curveball in the form of wet conditions. The race was initially started behind the safety car, and a chaotic restart proved to be Norris' undoing. Caught out at the safety car restart, Norris was overtaken by several rivals, ultimately dropping down the order and struggling to recover his lost ground.

McLaren, however, is firmly backing their driver. Team Principal Andrea Stella publicly defended Norris, emphasizing the difficulty of the conditions and the pressure the young Briton faces. "Lando has been doing an incredible job all season," Stella stated. "Spa was a tough race for everyone, and these things happen. We need to support him and ensure he has everything he needs to bounce back."

The victory for Piastri, in contrast, was a masterclass in race management and composure. The young Australian demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating the treacherous conditions, staying calm and collected while others faltered. This victory not only boosted Piastri's championship hopes but also amplified the scrutiny on Norris’ performance.

The dynamic within McLaren is now more complex than ever. Piastri’s rise has undoubtedly put pressure on Norris, who has long been considered the team's leading driver. While McLaren insists there's no internal conflict and that they support both drivers equally, the reality is that Piastri’s momentum is making Norris’s task increasingly difficult.

Looking ahead, Norris will need to regroup and rediscover the form that saw him secure pole position in Belgium. The upcoming races present opportunities to demonstrate his resilience and reaffirm his position as a top contender. McLaren's support will be crucial in helping him navigate this challenging period and maintain the team's championship aspirations. The battle for supremacy within McLaren, and the wider Formula 1 title fight, promises to be intensely captivating in the coming weeks.

The Spa race served as a potent reminder of the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 and the constant pressure faced by drivers at the highest level. Norris’s experience highlights the fine line between success and setback, while Piastri’s triumph underscores the importance of composure and strategic race management. The season is far from over, and the narrative within McLaren is still being written.