2026 Belgian Grand Prix: Antonelli extends lead

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix after passing Charles Leclerc, while George Russell retired early and the Mercedes driver moved to 204 points.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, with BBC Sport, Autosport and RaceFans all reporting that the Mercedes driver took his sixth victory of the season at Spa-Francorchamps. Autosport reported that Antonelli passed Charles Leclerc for the lead after starting from pole position, having beaten Max Verstappen by 0.317s in qualifying. The result left Antonelli on 204 points at the top of the drivers' championship, with Leclerc fourth on 126 and Verstappen seventh on 91.

BBC Sport and Autosport reported that George Russell retired on the opening lap after contact with Lewis Hamilton, ending the other Mercedes car's race almost immediately. Autosport also reported that Verstappen briefly led from the front row before Antonelli moved ahead, while RaceFans said the win increased Antonelli's championship advantage to 45 points.

The victory added to Antonelli's growing Formula 1 record. The Italian came into the weekend with 33 starts, five wins, five poles and 10 podiums across the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and Mercedes added another win to a total that stood at 138 before Spa.