Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. The Mercedes driver posted a 1:44.361 lap time during Saturday’s qualifying session. Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, qualified second, 0.317 seconds behind Antonelli.
Antonelli expressed satisfaction with his pole position but highlighted the importance of the race start. He acknowledged Verstappen would be alongside him on the front row. The Italian driver emphasized the need for a strong getaway to maintain the lead into Turn 5.
The qualifying session presented challenges due to changing track conditions. Antonelli noted that his team consistently improved the car’s performance throughout the session. His final Q3 lap was particularly effective, with significant gains made in the second sector.
Mercedes introduced a ‘little package’ of upgrades for the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Antonelli indicated these developments contributed to his strong performance. The 19-year-old currently leads the Drivers’ Championship standings by 25 points over his teammate George Russell.
Max Verstappen’s qualifying effort saw Red Bull employ a strategic tow. Teammate Isack Hadjar provided a slipstream through the final sector in Q3. This tactic briefly placed Verstappen at the top of the timesheets before Antonelli’s decisive final lap.
Red Bull has faced ongoing issues with race starts throughout the 2026 season. The team recently conducted a private filming day at Silverstone to address these poor getaways. This effort aimed to resolve problems that have affected both Verstappen and Hadjar.
Lando Norris initially qualified third for McLaren but will incur a 10-place grid penalty. This penalty is due to the use of an additional set of control electronics beyond the prescribed limit. As a result, George Russell, who qualified fourth for Mercedes, will start the Grand Prix from third position.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both driving for Ferrari, qualified fifth and sixth respectively. They will also benefit from Norris’s penalty, moving up one position each on the starting grid. Oscar Piastri qualified seventh for McLaren.
Verstappen’s future with Red Bull beyond 2026 remains a subject of discussion. His contract extends until 2028 but includes performance-related exit clauses. Speculation has linked him with a potential move to McLaren.
Red Bull has also confirmed a shift away from a technical approach that caused Verstappen issues earlier this season. This U-turn addresses problems related to the rear wing, which led to crashes in previous events.
