Andrea Kimi Antonelli secured victory at the 2026 Formula 1® Belgian Grand Prix by overtaking Charles Leclerc on the Kemmel Straight, finishing 1.9 seconds ahead. The race saw an early retirement for George Russell following a collision with Lewis Hamilton, who received a five-second penalty but managed to finish fourth.
Max Verstappen briefly led the race after the start but ultimately settled for third place behind Antonelli and Leclerc. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had a strong showing, temporarily regaining the lead after both Ferrari cars pitted during a virtual safety car on lap 20. Meanwhile, Mercedes faced a setback as Russell retired on the opening lap due to contact with Hamilton after a battery issue caused him to slow down on the Kemmel Straight.
The Belgian Grand Prix featured a number of strategic moments, including pit stops during safety car periods that influenced the race order. Lando Norris’s alternate strategy was hampered by a slow pit stop, resulting in a seventh-place finish behind Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto. Isack Hadjar capitalized on tyre changes during safety car phases to finish sixth. Midfield battles and minor incidents also affected drivers such as Oscar Piastri, Arvid Lindblad, Liam Lawson, and Franco Colapinto.
Antonelli’s decisive move on Leclerc came on the Kemmel Straight, reclaiming the lead after Verstappen’s brief stint at the front. Despite the collision with Russell, Hamilton managed to complete the race in fourth place but faces further scrutiny for an unsafe pit release. The race underlined the importance of timing and tyre strategy, with Ferrari’s virtual safety car pit stops allowing Leclerc to momentarily regain track position.
The early exit of Russell was a significant moment, triggered by a battery issue that slowed his car and led to contact with Hamilton. This incident affected Mercedes’s race strategy and points haul. Verstappen’s race showed early promise but he was unable to maintain the lead, finishing behind the two front-runners.
Several midfield drivers engaged in close battles, with strategic tyre changes and pit stops shaping their final positions. Hadjar’s sixth place was notable given the dynamic safety car periods, while Norris’s race was compromised by pit lane delays. The race also saw competitive performances from Audi’s Bortoleto and Racing Bulls’ Lindblad and Lawson.
Overall, the Belgian Grand Prix highlighted Antonelli’s growing strength in the championship and the ongoing challenges faced by Mercedes and Ferrari in race execution. Hamilton’s penalties remain under review, reflecting the continuing focus on race incidents and safety standards within the sport.
