Formula 1 News: What fans missed during the rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix

While McLaren’s Oscar Piastri stormed to his sixth Grand Prix win of the 2025 season, narrowly beating teammate Lando Norris in a nail-biting Belgian GP, the spectacle wasn’t confined to the wet and wild Spa-Francorchamps track. As the rain played spoilsport on parts of the weekend, several moments off the tarmac provided fans with heartwarming, humorous, and historic glimpses — many of which you may have missed.

Here’s a rundown of the hidden highlights that made the Belgian Grand Prix weekend truly special:

1. Piastri’s ‘adopted brother’ meets the real deal

Before the race began, F1 fans witnessed a sweet crossover moment — Oscar Piastri’s mum, Nicole, finally met Yuki Tsunoda, whom she affectionately refers to as her “adopted son.”

The lighthearted fan-favorite connection began when Nicole jokingly suggested adopting Tsunoda after Oscar bantered online about joining Charles Leclerc’s family. During their Spa meet-up, Yuki gifted her a signed No.22 cap, with Nicole gushing, “I just think you are fantastic, a really good person… Backing my boys!” The moment was a fan-service gem, blending family warmth and paddock camaraderie.

2. Grandfather’s first overseas visit brings Oscar Piastri more than luck

Oscar Piastri wasn’t the only member of his family celebrating a milestone. His grandfather attended an F1 race outside Australia for the first time — and Oscar made sure it was unforgettable.

After clinching victory, Piastri scribbled on his champagne bottle: “To Grandad. I guess you need to come to races more often too!” It mirrored a similar lucky charm moment from Spain when his sister made her first trip abroad for a race — and he won there too. Oscar joked, “Maybe I need to get my family members one by one for the rest of the races!”

3. Spa meets Hans Zimmer’s soundtrack magic

Fans tuning in for the broadcast were in for an auditory treat. Instead of the usual F1 theme, the title sequence featured “F1” — the official track from F1 The Movie, composed by the legendary Hans Zimmer.

Zimmer immersed himself in the world of racing by speaking with Lewis Hamilton before composing the score, saying, “It’s dangerous, yet incredibly elegant.” While Brian Tyler’s classic theme will return, Zimmer’s contribution gave this wet weekend an epic cinematic flair.

4. A masterclass in waving the flag — Jacky Ickx style

Legendary Belgian F1 driver Jacky Ickx, at 80 years old, waved the chequered flag with flair and finesse to end Sunday’s race. It was a classy moment from a man who has eight F1 wins — the same number as Piastri, Norris, and Leclerc each now hold.

For Saturday’s Sprint, the honor went to Real Madrid and Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, who took a more careful approach, proving there's an art to finishing a race in style.

5. Amelia Dimoldenberg returns to stir the grid

British comedian and presenter Amelia Dimoldenberg brought her signature awkward charm to Spa, spotted this time in the Haas garage.

Fans may remember her Chicken Shop Date with Lando Norris, where she teased him about not having a win — just 44 days before his maiden victory in Miami. Coincidence? Maybe. But after her appearance in Spa, Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman both scored Sprint points. Dimoldenberg may just be the unlikeliest good luck charm on the grid.

While the skies over Spa were grey and unpredictable, the atmosphere surrounding the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix was anything but dull. From heartfelt family reunions to playful celebrity appearances and musical surprises, the weekend was filled with under-the-radar moments that showcased the spirit, humor, and humanity of F1.