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2w ago

Antonelli Crushes Field to Take Belgian GP Pole

Grid penalties plus a late practice crash reshuffled the order, leaving energy rules, slipstreaming, weather to determine Sunday’s race.

Formula 1 cars speeding through the iconic Eau Rouge curve at Spa-Francorchamps during the 2026 Belgium Grand Prix weekend schedule, featuring sprint and qualifying sessions. | Photo by F1 / Facebook / Depor
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 19, 2026 Mercedes' George Russell crashes into the gravel before retiring from the race REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Formula One F1 - Belgian Grand Prix - Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Stavelot, Belgium - July 19, 2026 Mercedes' George Russell reacts after retiring from the race REUTERS/Christian Hartmann
Lando Norris of Great Britain and McLaren talks to the media during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 16, 2026 in Spa, Belgium.

Overview

  • Kimi Antonelli produced a 1:44.361 lap to claim pole at Spa and beat Max Verstappen by 0.317 seconds in qualifying.
  • Several drivers were dropped down the grid by FIA penalties so the starting order changed materially with Lando Norris demoted to 13th and Isack Hadjar placed at the back.
  • Lewis Hamilton crashed in FP3 but Ferrari repaired his car in time for him to qualify and start fifth on the grid.
  • Teams face strategic uncertainty on Sunday because Spa’s long straights force trade-offs between battery straight‑mode rules, tow tactics and tyre choice for a 44‑lap race.
  • Antonelli leads the championship by 25 points and will try to convert pole to race points on Sunday at 15:00 CEST while rivals must recover through traffic or exploit changing weather.