The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix will be one of the toughest races of the season at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, where the grid will be set for the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Saturday's qualifying session will have a significant effect on Sunday's race, as rain played a factor on Friday, and several drivers will be carrying grid penalties.
What Happened at Belgian GP Qualifying?
The starting order for the Belgian GP is as follows:
- 1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
- 2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 3. George Russell (Mercedes)
- 4. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- 5. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
- 6. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- 7. Arvid Lindblad (Racing Bulls)
- 8. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)
- 9. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
- 10. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
- 11. Franco Colapinto (Alpine
- 12. Nico Hulkenberg (Audi)
- 13. Lando Norris (McLaren)
- 14. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
- 15. Ollie Bearman (Haas)
- 16. Alex Albon (Williams)
- 17. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- 18. Valtteri Bottas (Cadillac)
- 19. Sergio Perez (Cadillac)
- 20. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
- 21. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)
- 22. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
What Happened at FP3 of the Belgian GP?
Mercedes continued its impressive form at Spa as Kimi Antonelli topped the final practice session with a lap of 1:45.990, finishing ahead of McLaren's Lando Norris and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. The Silver Arrows' pace was impressive as they got two Mercedes into the top four, with George Russell in fourth.
(Photo by Mark Sutton - Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
But the final moments of FP3 were a dramatic end for Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton crashed at Fagnes in the final moments of the session. The seven-time world champion suffered damage to the rear wing and suspension when he lost the back of his SF-26 before colliding with the barriers. Hamilton promptly apologised over team radio, and Ferrari mechanics had a race against time to get the car ready for qualifying.
Charles Leclerc was sixth, and Oscar Piastri was seventh behind the front four, but both had to settle for that after another practice session was disrupted.
Sunday's Belgian GP is a race to watch out for as Spa brings a thrilling contest for the podium spots.