Antonelli Takes Pole at Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen Second

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix. The Bbc reported that the Mercedes driver beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 0.317 seconds despite a tow provided to Verstappen by teammate Isack Hadjar. George Russell qualified fourth, more than 0.5 seconds behind Antonelli.

The Bbc reported that Antonelli leads the championship by 25 points over Russell. Antonelli claimed his sixth pole in 10 races this season. Lando Norris took third place, 0.440 seconds off the pace, but carries a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his engine-parts allowance.

Charles Leclerc qualified fifth and Lewis Hamilton sixth. Oscar Piastri placed seventh and Arvid Lindblad eighth. Verstappen credited the assistance from Hadjar, who faces a 30-place penalty for installing a new engine.

"It was definitely helping me otherwise I would not be standing here, it would be P6 or something," Verstappen said. "Isack, knowing he had a penalty and would be starting at the back, he helped me. I will be looking in my mirrors tomorrow.

Norris noted the McLaren's improved pace at the circuit. "We haven't changed anything, we are just little quicker here," he said. " Norris will start 12th. The Bbc reported that Antonelli sent birthday wishes to his father Marco during the slowing-down lap.

Mercedes recorded its 10th pole position in 10 rounds of the 2026 season.