Kimi Antonelli clinched pole position at Spa-Francorchamps, edging out Max Verstappen in a thrilling qualifying session. Lando Norris put in a strong performance but will face a grid penalty, starting P13.
The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix qualifying session at Spa-Francorchamps delivered a captivating showdown, with Kimi Antonelli snatching pole position from Max Verstappen. The Italian's performance was a masterclass, clocking in 0.317 seconds faster than the field, despite Verstappen benefiting from a tow. Antonelli's success marks a crucial step as he aims for his first victory since Monaco, while Verstappen's race pace threatens to make things interesting come race day.
George Russell managed to secure fourth place in qualifying, which translates to a start from third on the grid due to Lando Norris's penalty. Norris, despite his blistering pace, will start from P13 after a 10-place grid drop. The McLaren driver expressed his frustration but remained optimistic about his chances to climb back up during the race.
Mercedes' team principal, Toto Wolff, expressed concerns about the challenges of maintaining pole at such a demanding track, particularly through Eau Rouge. With Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce.
Lando Norris showcased impressive speed throughout the weekend, but his penalty will have him fighting through the midfield. The McLaren driver remains hopeful for a good show, banking on his car's performance to aid in his recovery.
Max Verstappen, ever the competitor, acknowledged the help of a tow in securing his front-row start. He’s prepared to keep a close eye on Antonelli ahead and the Ferraris behind as the race unfolds.
The top ten grid positions see Antonelli and Verstappen leading the charge, followed by Russell, Leclerc, and Hamilton, with Piastri, Lindblad, Bortoleto, Hadjar, and Lawson rounding out the spots.
Amidst all the excitement, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer noted the unpredictability of the session, with four different teams contesting for pole at various times. As the dust settled, Antonelli's composure and skill shone through, setting the stage for an intriguing race day at Spa.