Antonelli wins Belgian GP from pole as Russell and Hamilton collide

Kimi Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix after opening-lap collision affects rivals

Kimi Antonelli secured victory from pole at Spa-Francorchamps as Mercedes team-mate George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided on the opening lap, leaving Antonelli 45 points clear of Hamilton in the championship and Russell third, 50 points adrift.

Antonelli produced a dominant weekend, topping two of three practice sessions, taking pole by more than three-tenths and recovering after a poorly timed virtual safety car to pass Charles Leclerc en route to victory.

Charles Leclerc maximised Ferrari’s pace to mount the closest challenge, benefiting from the virtual safety car and briefly leading before contact with Oscar Piastri. Max Verstappen started strongly, briefly led at the start and secured a podium for Red Bull.

Hamilton recovered from a heavy final-practice crash and a penalty for his collision with Russell to finish fourth, while Russell retired on the opening lap after the contact following a battery issue left him vulnerable.

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The weekend produced a near-perfect display from Antonelli, with pole, race control and the ability to recover position after race interruptions. Leclerc and Verstappen offered significant pressure but could not match Antonelli’s pace in the decisive phases. Russell’s first-lap exit and Hamilton’s penalty reshaped the podium fight and widened championship gaps as reported from Spa-Francorchamps.

Isack Hadjar climbed from 21st to sixth with an aggressive strategy to deliver a strong result for Red Bull, while Lando Norris finished just behind Hadjar after a long first stint and a slow pit stop. Gabriel Bortoleto and Arvid Lindblad delivered points for Audi and Racing Bulls respectively, and Franco Colapinto claimed the final point after a decisive late move.

Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Nico Hülkenberg, Oliver Bearman and Alex Albon had mixed weekends; Gasly’s practice crash and subsequent struggles left him outside the points, Lawson slipped to 12th, and Albon led Williams home in 15th. Carlos Sainz faced early damage and a grid penalty, finishing behind Albon.

Several drivers and teams endured difficult race weekends: Esteban Ocon suffered a puncture after first-lap incidents, Valtteri Bottas finished a lap down as the only Cadillac to the chequered flag, and Aston Martin drivers Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll recorded low-scoring weekends with penalties and retirements. Sergio Perez retired with a reported suspension issue.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

• Kimi Antonelli won from pole at the Belgian Grand Prix and leads the championship by 45 points over Lewis Hamilton.
• George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided on lap one, eliminating Russell and earning Hamilton a penalty but a fourth-place finish.
• Isack Hadjar climbed from 21st to sixth; Max Verstappen completed the podium behind Antonelli and Leclerc.