Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 Formula 1® Belgian Grand Prix, setting a fastest lap time of 1:44.361. The Mercedes driver edged out championship leader Max Verstappen by 0.317 seconds during the qualifying session, marking Antonelli’s sixth pole of the season.
Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, benefited from a significant slipstream provided by teammate Isack Hadjar, who was carrying multiple grid penalties and therefore did not set a qualifying time. Despite this advantage, Verstappen was unable to match Antonelli’s pace. Meanwhile, Lando Norris posted the fastest time in the initial runs but will start 13th after a 10-place grid penalty. George Russell secured third place on the grid, with Charles Leclerc alongside him on the second row.
The qualifying session saw several incidents, including crashes at Turn 13 involving drivers such as Pierre Gasly and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton qualified sixth but will move up to fifth on the grid following penalties applied to other drivers. Oscar Piastri will start alongside Hamilton in sixth. Fernando Alonso will start from the back of the grid due to multiple power unit changes. A red flag was also deployed during qualifying to clear gravel from the track.
Antonelli’s performance continues Mercedes’ strong qualifying form this season, maintaining their hold on pole positions despite stiff competition from Red Bull Racing. Verstappen’s use of Hadjar’s slipstream was a notable strategic element, although it ultimately fell short of securing pole. Norris’s penalty reshuffles the starting grid, affecting the race dynamics for McLaren.
The session highlighted the challenges of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, with several drivers encountering difficulties in the demanding Turn 13. The penalties and incidents have created a mixed grid, with some drivers starting further back than their qualifying times would suggest.
George Russell’s third place shows Mercedes’ continued competitiveness, while Charles Leclerc’s fourth position keeps Ferrari in contention near the front. Lewis Hamilton’s qualifying pace, despite the incidents, reflects a solid performance that benefits from grid adjustments. The back of the grid will see experienced drivers like Alonso and Hadjar starting due to technical penalties.
The qualifying results set the stage for a varied race grid, with penalties and incidents influencing starting positions alongside outright pace. Antonelli’s pole lap stands as a clear benchmark for the weekend, demonstrating his speed and consistency in the championship. The session underlined the fine margins and strategic elements that continue to shape the Formula 1® championship.