Kimi Antonelli emerged as the fastest driver in the second practice session at the Belgian Grand Prix, signaling a notable improvement for Mercedes after a challenging start to the day. Despite this progress, Antonelli emphasized that the team still has significant work ahead to optimize their performance for the weekend.
During the Friday sessions at Spa-Francorchamps, Antonelli improved from sixth place in Free Practice 1 to top the timesheets in Free Practice 2. He credited major setup changes made by Mercedes between the two sessions for the enhanced pace, which helped address the car's earlier handling difficulties. Antonelli entered the weekend leading the 2026 Drivers' Championship by 25 points, adding context to the importance of maintaining momentum.
Mercedes Trackside Engineering Director Andrew Shovlin provided insight into the team's struggles earlier in the day, explaining that the initial setup lacked sufficient downforce. This deficiency made the car difficult to handle for both Antonelli and his teammate George Russell. While Antonelli found a better balance in the second session, Russell continued to face challenges, finishing eighth and over a second behind Antonelli’s pace. Shovlin noted that Russell’s gap in FP2 did not fully represent his potential, suggesting that data analysis and minor adjustments could bring him closer to the front in subsequent sessions.
Antonelli’s comments reflected a cautious optimism, highlighting the progress made but also the ongoing challenges. He acknowledged that while the car felt more manageable in the second practice, there remains a considerable amount of work for the team to do to fully unlock its potential. This assessment underlines the complexity of setup adjustments at a demanding circuit like Spa, where aerodynamic balance plays a crucial role.
Meanwhile, Russell’s continued difficulties indicate that Mercedes has not yet found an optimal solution for both drivers. Shovlin’s remarks suggest that the team is confident in narrowing the gap after further analysis, but the situation remains a focus as the weekend progresses. The contrast between the two drivers’ performances in practice sessions underscores the fine margins involved in car setup and driver adaptation.
Mercedes’ approach to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend shows a clear intent to refine their package and address the handling issues that surfaced early on. Antonelli’s leading position in the championship adds pressure to maintain consistency, while the team’s technical staff work to ensure both drivers can compete effectively. The developments from Friday’s sessions provide a snapshot of the challenges and adjustments typical in Formula 1® race weekends.
The observations from Spa’s practice sessions offer a detailed look at Mercedes’ current state, with Antonelli’s pace improvement balanced by Russell’s ongoing setup struggles. The team’s efforts to enhance downforce and car balance will be critical in shaping their competitiveness as the weekend continues.