Kimi Antonelli claimed pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, maintaining Mercedes' flawless qualifying record in the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Silver Arrows have now secured pole in all 10 Grand Prix qualifying sessions this year. Antonelli held off a late charge from Max Verstappen, whose final lap was aided by a tow from Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar. A roar erupted from the Spa-Francorchamps grandstands when Verstappen briefly topped the timesheets, but Antonelli beat him moments later. Lando Norris, who had threatened pole, abandoned his final flying lap.
Norris Penalty Reshuffles Grid
Norris finished third fastest overall, but a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his annual engine component allowance will drop him to 13th on Sunday's starting grid. The McLaren driver had shown strong pace throughout qualifying but could not retain his position due to the penalty. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, who qualified in the top 10, will start at the very back after serving his own grid penalty, though Red Bull was pleased to have him in Q3 to assist Verstappen with towing along the long straights.
Hamilton's Recovery and Other Highlights
Lewis Hamilton's crash in practice cast doubt on his participation, but Ferrari mechanics rebuilt his car in time for qualifying. The seven-time world champion safely progressed through Q1 with the fourth-fastest time, showcasing his team's efforts. As has been typical this season, the bottom four grid positions were occupied by Cadillacs and Aston Martins. Lance Stroll finished last, with Fernando Alonso just above him, both more than four seconds off the pace. They endured another qualifying humiliation before hoping for an upgraded car in Budapest next weekend.
Alpine appeared at risk of losing both cars in Q1 but vaulted to safety with late flying laps. Esteban Ocon continued his poor run, qualifying 18th, while Alex Albon also exited in Q1. Oliver Bearman was the slowest in Q2, narrowly beaten to 15th by Carlos Sainz, leaving Williams still awaiting their first Q3 appearance of the year. Nico Hulkenberg was pipped by the two Alpines, and Liam Lawson's streak of Q3 appearances ended as he settled for 11th, narrowly beaten by Gabriel Bortoleto. However, Lawson will effectively start ninth due to the penalties for Norris and Hadjar.
Q3 Delay and Final Grid
The start of Q3 was delayed when Nico Hulkenberg was instructed to stop his car on track due to a hydraulics leak detected by Audi. The final grid order sees Antonelli on pole, followed by Verstappen and other top qualifiers, with Norris dropping to 13th and Hadjar at the back. The race promises excitement as drivers adjust to the reshuffled starting positions.
