Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after an exciting qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps. The Mercedes driver produced the fastest lap in Q3 to beat Max Verstappen, while George Russell completed the top three. Lando Norris qualified near the front but will lose places on the grid because of a 10-place penalty.
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Q1: Close Battle to Avoid Early Elimination
The first part of qualifying was closely contested, with small gaps separating many drivers. As the track continued to improve, several drivers waited until the final minutes to complete their fastest laps.
The fight to reach Q2 remained open until the checkered flag. A number of drivers improved on their final attempts, while others missed out after failing to find enough pace. Antonelli, Verstappen, Russell, Norris and the Ferrari drivers all advanced without major problems.
Out: Albon, Ocon, Bottas, Perez, Alonso, Stroll
Q2: Mercedes and Ferrari Continue Strong Pace
Q2 again showed how competitive the field was at Spa-Francorchamps. Mercedes remained among the fastest teams, with Antonelli and Russell comfortably progressing to the final session.
Ferrari also continued its strong performance. Charles Leclerc secured his place in Q3, while Lewis Hamilton reached the final session after Ferrari repaired his car following his accident during the last practice session.
Out: Lawson, Gasly, Colapinto, Hulkenberg, Sainz, Bearman
Q3: Antonelli Takes Pole Position
The battle for pole position was decided in the final minutes of Q3. Several drivers looked capable of setting the fastest lap, but Antonelli delivered an excellent final run to secure first place.
Verstappen finished second and will start alongside the Mercedes driver on the front row. Russell completed the top three to give Mercedes two cars in the first three positions.
Leclerc qualified near the front once again, while Hamilton also finished inside the top group after recovering from his earlier setback.
Grid Penalties Set Up an Exciting Belgian Grand Prix
Several grid penalties changed the starting order for Sunday’s race, with Lando Norris’ 10-place penalty for a power unit change having the biggest impact among the leading drivers. Although Norris qualified among the fastest drivers, the penalty drops him further down the grid and promotes several drivers ahead of him.
Antonelli will lead the field away at Spa-Francorchamps after another impressive qualifying performance. Mercedes enters the Belgian Grand Prix with both drivers in strong positions, while Verstappen and Ferrari remain close enough to challenge for victory.
With Norris starting lower than his qualifying result and several teams showing similar pace throughout the weekend, the Belgian Grand Prix is set up for an interesting race on Sunday.
The full results of the qualifying according to FIA.com:
