Formula One 2026: Belgian Grand Prix – live

Key events

Today’s grid, after penalties

1 Kimi Antonelli Mercedes 1:44.361
2 Max Verstappen Red Bull 1:44.678
3 George Russell Mercedes 1:44.869
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:44.893
5 Lewis Hamilton Ferrari 1:44.89
6 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:45.016
7 Arvid Lindblad Racing Bulls 1:45.143
8 Gabriel Bortoleto Audi 1:45.628
9 Liam Lawson Racing Bulls 1:46.120
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:46.331
11 Franco Colapinto Alpine 1:46.392
12 Nico Hülkenberg Audi 1:46.671
13 *Lando Norris McLaren 1:44.801
14 **Oliver Bearman Haas 1:46.779
15 Alexander Albon Williams 1:47.120
16 Esteban Ocon Haas 1:47.801
17 Valtteri Bottas Cadillac 1:47.823
18 Sergio Pérez Cadillac 1:47.971
19 *Carlos Sainz Williams 1:46.777
20 *Lance Stroll Aston Martin 1:50.177
21 †Isack Hadjar Red Bull no time
22 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 1:50.002

*10-place grid penalty; **20-place grid penalty; †30-place grid penalty and set no time in Q3

Preamble

The Formula One championship battle is heating up as we arrive at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit for the final double-header before the summer break and what once looked like a comfortable advantage for the Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli has quickly become one of the closest title fights of the season. His lead over his teammate, George Russell, reduced to just 25 points after a dramatic British Grand Prix.

Despite a difficult outing at Silverstone, Antonelli secured a second consecutive pole position at Spa by comfortably outpacing Max Verstappen and Russell.

Behind him, Russell’s runner-up finish at Silverstone has reignited his championship hopes, while Lewis Hamilton sits just seven points further back after another podium finish. Ferrari have also found form at the perfect time, with Charles Leclerc racing the Scuderia to a second victory in three races.

With dry weather expected at Spa, teams are likely to favour aggressive race strategies, but the 7km circuit leaves little room for mistakes. Join me for lights out at 2pm BST/3pm CEST.