Antonelli Takes Pole Position at Spa Ahead of Verstappen and Norris

Spa-Francorchamps – 18/07/2026: Kimi Antonelli has secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix. The Mercedes driver set a fastest time of 1:44.361 minutes in the decisive third segment of qualifying. Max Verstappen in the Red Bull Racing was second, 0.317 seconds behind, while Lando Norris in the McLaren finished third.

Antonelli thus confirmed his strong form at the Ardennes circuit. The Italian had already shown competitive times in practice. In qualifying, he held his own through all three segments: after recording 1:46.304 minutes in Q1 and 1:45.142 minutes in Q2, he improved significantly in the final and set the fastest lap of the session.

Verstappen remained within striking distance with a time of 1:44.678 minutes but was unable to beat Antonelli’s benchmark. Norris was 0.440 seconds off the fastest time with 1:44.801 minutes. This means three different teams occupy the top three positions. The race on Sunday, 19 July 2026, therefore promises an open battle at the front.

Behind the leading trio, George Russell in the second Mercedes completed the second row of the grid. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton took fifth and sixth for Ferrari. Oscar Piastri, Norris’ McLaren teammate, qualified seventh. Mercedes therefore has both cars in a promising starting position, while Ferrari and McLaren remain within reach.

The Spa-Francorchamps circuit presents drivers and teams with particular challenges due to its fast sections, major elevation changes and often unpredictable weather. The 7.004-kilometre track in the Ardennes rewards high top speed while also demanding stable car balance through its high-speed corner combinations.

Qualifying was held on Saturday between 16:00 and 17:00. The 44-lap Grand Prix is scheduled for Sunday, 19 July 2026, at 15:00. Antonelli starts from the best position for the first time this weekend, but must defend his pole position over the race distance against Verstappen, the McLaren drivers and the Ferrari drivers.

For Mercedes, the result is an important signal ahead of the summer break. Antonelli and Russell both have a strong starting position, but the tight qualifying gaps do not point to a clear favourite for the race. In particular, the start and the conditions around the expansive circuit could still decisively alter the order.