Kimi Antonelli secured a memorable victory in the F1 Belgian Grand Prix 2026 after overcoming an early challenge from Max Verstappen and a strategic setback during the Virtual Safety Car. The young Italian reclaimed the lead from Charles Leclerc in the closing stages to win at Spa-Francorchamps, with Verstappen completing the podium.
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Antonelli made an excellent getaway from pole position, although Max Verstappen immediately swept past him at the start. The Italian responded on the Kemmel Straight, using the slipstream to reclaim the lead, while Charles Leclerc also capitalized on the battle by overtaking Verstappen for second place.
The opening lap took another dramatic turn at Les Combes, where Lewis Hamilton collided with George Russell. The Mercedes driver was forced to retire on the spot, prompting the deployment of the Safety Car. Hamilton was later handed a five-second time penalty for causing the incident.
Racing resumed on lap five, and it did not take long for Verstappen to strike. On lap six, the Red Bull driver overtook Leclerc to regain second place and began chasing Antonelli.
Hamilton recovered well from his penalty situation and climbed to fourth on lap nine by overtaking Oscar Piastri. At the front, Antonelli, Verstappen, Leclerc, and Hamilton remained closely matched through the opening stint.
The strategic battle began on lap 18 when Verstappen was the first of the frontrunners to pit. Antonelli responded a lap later, while both Ferrari drivers stayed out on track.
The race was turned on its head on lap 21 when a Virtual Safety Car was deployed. Ferrari immediately brought in Leclerc and Hamilton, allowing Leclerc to emerge in the net race lead. The timing of the VSC left Antonelli at a strategic disadvantage, and as the race resumed he found himself battling Lando Norris for second place. Norris’ alternative strategy briefly appeared capable of challenging for victory.
Antonelli, however, fought his way back past Norris on lap 26 and immediately set about chasing Leclerc, who held a 2.8-second advantage.
With fresher pace, Antonelli steadily closed the gap before making the decisive move on lap 34. He caught and overtook Leclerc to reclaim the lead, a position he would never relinquish.
Leclerc remained within striking distance throughout the final ten laps, but despite constant pressure he could not find a way past the young Italian. Verstappen completed the podium after a solid drive to third.
After 44 laps, Antonelli crossed the finish line to secure a memorable Belgian Grand Prix victory, finishing ahead of Leclerc in second and Verstappen in third.
The full results of the race according to FIA.com:
