Antonelli Returns to Winning Ways with Belgian Grand Prix Victory

Sports

Kimi Antonelli strengthened his grip on the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship with a superb victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, overcoming early setbacks and a dramatic opening lap to claim his sixth win of the season at Spa Francorchamps.

Starting from pole position, Antonelli initially lost the lead to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc after the race was neutralised by a Virtual Safety Car. However, the Mercedes driver remained calm and executed his strategy perfectly, reclaiming first place with just ten laps remaining before pulling away to secure a memorable victory.

The race’s biggest talking point came on the opening lap when George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided at Les Combes. Russell’s Mercedes was forced into retirement, ending the Briton’s race almost immediately and dealing a significant blow to his championship hopes. Hamilton received a five-second time penalty for causing the collision but recovered to finish fourth despite later being investigated for an unsafe pit release.

Leclerc finished second after another impressive drive for Ferrari, while Max Verstappen completed the podium to give Red Bull its 300th Formula 1 podium finish. Oscar Piastri crossed the line in fifth for McLaren, with Isack Hadjar producing one of the drives of the day by climbing from the back of the grid to sixth.

Lando Norris recovered from his grid penalty to finish seventh, ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto, Arvid Lindblad and Franco Colapinto, who completed the points-paying positions.

Antonelli’s victory significantly boosted his championship campaign. With Russell failing to score, the Italian extended his advantage at the top of the Drivers’ Championship to 45 points, while Mercedes also increased its lead in the Constructors’ Championship over Ferrari.

The victory ends a three race wait for Antonelli and further cements his status as the standout driver of the 2026 season. Having already become the youngest championship leader in Formula 1 history, the Mercedes star continues to rewrite the record books and strengthen his bid for a maiden world title.

With the championship entering its second half, Antonelli leaves Spa with maximum points, renewed momentum and a commanding advantage over his rivals as Formula 1 heads to the next round.