2026 Belgian GP: Antonelli tops Friday at Spa

Andrea Kimi Antonelli led Friday practice for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after topping FP2, while Pierre Gasly's crash brought out a late red flag.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli ended Friday fastest at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after topping FP2 for Mercedes, with Formula1.com reporting he finished ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Earlier in the day, Verstappen had led FP1 from Lewis Hamilton, as reported by Formula1.com, Autosport and Motorsport.com. Antonelli arrived at Spa-Francorchamps leading the drivers' championship on 179 points.

FP2 was stopped late when Pierre Gasly crashed, bringing out the red flag. Formula1.com reported that Alpine later issued an update on the Frenchman, while Autosport and Motorsport.com said the incident followed a snap of oversteer on the exit of Les Fagnes. Gasly went into the weekend ninth in the standings on 42 points.

The two sessions left a mixed picture at the front. Formula1.com reported Verstappen was positive about Red Bull's Friday but wary of the gap to rivals, while Norris said McLaren was still only around the fourth-fastest car. Verstappen started the weekend seventh in the championship on 76 points.