Kimi Antonelli Claims Belgian Grand Prix Pole with Stunning Spa Lap, Verstappen Second

Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium, July 18, 2026: Kimi Antonelli delivered a sensational final lap to secure pole position for the 2026 FIA Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, edging out Max Verstappen by 0.317 seconds in an action-packed qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Mercedes youngster produced a stunning 1:44.361 on his final Q3 run, setting the fastest lap of the weekend to deny Verstappen after the Red Bull driver had briefly moved to the top of the timesheets with the benefit of a slipstream from teammate Isack Hadjar.

Lando Norris initially looked set to challenge for pole after claiming provisional P1 with a 1:44.801, but the McLaren driver ran wide through the gravel at Turn 13 on his final flying lap and was forced to abandon the effort. Although Norris qualified third, a grid penalty means Antonelli and Verstappen will share the front row for Sunday’s race.

Antonelli shines as qualifying unfolds

Norris led the way in Q1 with a lap of 1:45.865, narrowly beating Verstappen by just 0.065 seconds. Red Bull’s Hadjar impressed with the third-fastest time, while Racing Bulls rookie Arvid Lindblad continued his excellent weekend form in fourth ahead of Antonelli.

The battle to escape elimination proved incredibly close. Carlos Sainz scraped into Q2 in 15th, with Oliver Bearman missing out by just 0.033 seconds. Alexander Albon fell a further 0.007 seconds short, while Esteban Ocon, Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Pérez also exited.

Aston Martin endured a miserable qualifying session as both Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll occupied the final two places.

Antonelli took control in Q2 by setting a benchmark lap of 1:45.142, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc, Norris and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen opted to remain in the garage after posting a 1:45.589, confident his time would be enough to reach the final shootout.

Liam Lawson narrowly missed out on Q3 in 11th, with Pierre Gasly, Franco Colapinto, Nico Hülkenberg, Sainz and Bearman also eliminated.

Red flag sets up dramatic finale

Red Bull attempted a tactical approach at the start of Q3 by sending Hadjar ahead of Verstappen to provide a slipstream. Verstappen initially responded with a 1:44.984, but Antonelli, Leclerc and Norris all found more pace, with Norris grabbing provisional pole.

The decisive phase of qualifying was interrupted when Oscar Piastri ran wide at Stavelot, dragging gravel onto the circuit and bringing out the red flags.

Following the restart, Verstappen once again briefly moved to the top thanks to another tow from Hadjar. However, Antonelli answered immediately with a superb final lap to secure his latest Formula 1 pole position by more than three tenths of a second.

George Russell qualified fourth for Mercedes, while Ferrari teammates Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were separated by just 0.002 seconds in fifth and sixth respectively. Piastri finished seventh ahead of Lindblad, Gabriel Bortoleto and Hadjar.

With Norris dropping back due to his grid penalty, Antonelli and Verstappen will line up together on the front row for the Belgian Grand Prix, with Russell and Leclerc promoted onto the second row.

2026 FIA Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix – Qualifying Results