Antonelli Dominates Belgian Grand Prix, Extends Championship Lead as Russell Retires Early
Kimi Antonelli's victory at Spa-Francorchamps significantly widens his lead in the drivers' championship, while rival George Russell's first-lap retirement reshapes the title battle.
The story
Kimi Antonelli secured his sixth victory of the season at the Belgian Grand Prix, navigating a chaotic race at Spa-Francorchamps. The drama began on Lap 1 when pole-sitter Antonelli initially lost the lead to Max Verstappen at Eau Rouge, only to regain it at Turn 5.
Further back, Mercedes teammate George Russell's race ended prematurely after contact with Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton at Turn 6, sending Russell into the gravel. Charles Leclerc then took the lead for a period after a strategic pit stop under a Virtual Safety Car.
Antonelli steadily closed the gap, executing a decisive overtake on Leclerc at the end of the Kemmel Straight on Lap 34 to reclaim the lead. Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth, despite receiving a five-second penalty for his collision with Russell and facing a post-race investigation for an unsafe pit release, which resulted in a €30,000 fine for Ferrari.
On the podium
| Position | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | Winner |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +1.9s |
| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +11.5s |
Key moments
Lap 1. George Russell retired after contact with Lewis Hamilton at Turn 6, leading to Hamilton receiving a five-second penalty.
Early Race. Max Verstappen briefly overtook Kimi Antonelli at Eau Rouge on the opening lap before Antonelli regained the position.
Mid-Race. Charles Leclerc took the lead after a well-timed pit stop during a Virtual Safety Car period.
Lap 34. Kimi Antonelli successfully retook the lead from Charles Leclerc at the end of the Kemmel Straight.
Post-Race. Ferrari was fined €30,000 for an unsafe release involving Lewis Hamilton, though Hamilton retained his fourth-place finish.
Championship
| Pos | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 204 |
| 2 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 159 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 154 |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 126 |
| 5 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 103 |
Next race
The Formula 1 season continues with the Hungarian Grand Prix, held from July 24-26 at the Hungaroring circuit. This race marks the halfway point of the 2026 season and is the final event before the mandatory four-week summer break. Drivers will be looking to finish strong before the factories enter a two-week shutdown period.
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