Kimi Antonelli claims Belgian GP Pole as Verstappen joins front row

Kimi Antonelli continued his sensational breakthrough Formula 1 campaign by securing pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix after producing the fastest lap during qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Mercedes driver stopped the clock in 1:44.361, finishing 0.317 seconds ahead of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who equalled his best qualifying performance of the season with second place.

The margin represented the largest gap between first and second in qualifying throughout the 2026 Formula 1 campaign.

Mercedes extend incredible qualifying streak

Antonelli's latest pole ensured Mercedes maintained a perfect qualifying record this season, with the Silver Arrows now claiming pole position in every Grand Prix held in 2026.

The achievement also ended a lengthy wait for Mercedes at Spa. Antonelli became the team's first Belgian Grand Prix polesitter since Lewis Hamilton in 2020 and the first Italian driver to start from pole at Spa-Francorchamps since Giancarlo Fisichella achieved the feat in 2009.

His sixth pole position further strengthens his growing reputation as one of Formula 1's brightest young stars.

Verstappen keeps Red Bull in the fight

Although Verstappen could not match Antonelli's pace, the Dutchman delivered another strong qualifying performance to secure a front-row start.

Second place marks only his third appearance on the front row this season and provides Red Bull with a valuable opportunity to challenge Mercedes when the lights go out on Sunday.

Red Bull also employed team strategy during qualifying, with Isack Hadjar providing Verstappen a slipstream on both of his decisive Q3 laps. Hadjar, however, did not complete a representative final run and is expected to receive a grid penalty.

Norris penalised despite fast pace

Lando Norris briefly appeared on course for pole after setting the provisional fastest lap during the opening Q3 attempts. However, the McLaren driver ultimately finished third before receiving a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his allocated power unit components.

The penalty significantly alters the front of the starting grid and hands George Russell and Charles Leclerc an opportunity to move forward on race day.

Championship battle tightens

Mercedes continued to demonstrate its strength with George Russell qualifying fourth behind Antonelli and Verstappen. Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton followed closely in fifth and sixth respectively, separated by just two thousandths of a second.

Russell enters Sunday's race sitting 25 points behind Antonelli in the championship standings, while Hamilton trails the Mercedes youngster by 32 points, ensuring the title battle remains highly competitive heading into the second half of the season.

Racing Bulls continue progress

Arvid Lindblad continued his impressive rookie campaign by reaching Q3 for a third consecutive race, emerging as Racing Bulls' standout performer. Meanwhile, Liam Lawson's qualifying streak came to an end after failing to reach Q3 for the first time since the Canadian Grand Prix.

Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hulkenberg, Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman also exited during Q2.

Aston Martin endure difficult weekend

It proved another frustrating qualifying session for Aston Martin, with Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll once again eliminated in Q1.

The Silverstone-based outfit was the only team unable to break the 1:50 barrier throughout the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, underlining the challenges it continues to face in 2026.

Cadillac also struggled, with both Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez exiting in the opening qualifying session.

Belgian Grand Prix Qualifying – Top 10

*Lando Norris will serve a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding power unit allocation.

With Mercedes continuing to dominate qualifying and Verstappen starting alongside Antonelli, Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix promises another fascinating chapter in one of Formula 1's most competitive seasons.

SportsLigue