Belgian Grand Prix: First Practice Highlights and Key Storylines
The Belgian Grand Prix kicks off with first practice at Spa-Francorchamps. Kimi Antonelli leads the championship amidst mixed weather forecasts and grid penalties.
As the engines roar to life at Spa-Francorchamps, the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend begins with the first practice session. Sitting comfortably with a 25-point lead in the Drivers' Championship, Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes is keen to maintain his advantage. However, recent reliability issues have proven challenging, with two non-scores shrinking his once commanding lead.
Ferrari, fresh off two wins in the last three races, is eager to keep up the momentum despite concerns about the track's long straights, which don't exactly play to their strengths. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, both seasoned and successful at this circuit, are hopeful their current form will yield results.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris faces a setback with a 10-place grid penalty, which is sure to influence his strategy for the weekend. The weather, ever the unpredictable factor at Spa, is currently sunny, but forecasts remain mixed, adding another layer of intrigue to the proceedings.
Mercedes remains the team to beat, with George Russell closing in on Antonelli after reducing a 68-point deficit. The internal team rivalry is set to continue, as Russell typically performs well at Spa.
As fans tune in to the live coverage of this iconic race, all eyes are on the track to see how these narratives unfold during the practice sessions and beyond.