Kimi Antonelli secures pole for Mercedes at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, while penalties shake up the rest of the grid. Notably, Lando Norris and others face significant grid drops due to power unit changes.
As we gear up for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps, the starting grid is set, and it's Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes who will lead the pack. The young Italian was untouchable in qualifying, outpacing the rest by three-tenths of a second. Right behind him, Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured second place, but it was a close shave.
Lando Norris, who originally qualified third at McLaren, has been handed a 10-place grid penalty due to a new power unit component, dropping the reigning World Champion to 13th. This leaves George Russell of Mercedes and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to take the second row, with both drivers eager to capitalize on their elevated positions.
The third row sees Lewis Hamilton lining up for Ferrari alongside Oscar Piastri of McLaren, both seasoned competitors who can make a splash with a good start. Meanwhile, Racing Bulls' Arvid Lindblad and Audi's Gabriel Bortoleto, who both impressed in qualifying, will start seventh and eighth respectively.
Completing the top ten are Racing Bulls' Liam Lawson and Alpine's Pierre Gasly. Both drivers are known for their aggressive driving and will be looking to gain positions quickly.
At the back of the grid, Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso and Red Bull's Isack Hadjar have the unenviable task of starting from the rear, each having taken on multiple new power unit elements. They'll slot in behind Lance Stroll of Aston Martin and Carlos Sainz of Williams, who, like Norris, face 10-place penalties.
With penalties shaking up the order, the race promises strategic intrigue and on-track battles. The Belgian Grand Prix will commence at 15:00 local time, with live coverage beginning an hour earlier. Tune in for what promises to be a thrilling contest at Spa.
**Starting Grid**
| Pos. | Driver | Time | | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Kimi Antonelli | 1:44.361 | | 2 | Max Verstappen | 1:44.678 | | 3 | George Russell | 1:44.869 | | 4 | Charles Leclerc | 1:44.893 | | 5 | Lewis Hamilton | 1:44.895 | | 6 | Oscar Piastri | 1:45.016 | | 7 | Arvid Lindblad | 1:45.143 | | 8 | Gabriel Bortoleto | 1:45.628 | | 9 | Liam Lawson | 1:46.120 | | 10 | Pierre Gasly | 1:46.331 |
Join us for live updates and analysis as the race unfolds.