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Formula One 2026: Belgian Grand Prix qualifying - live
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps saw a tight battle at the top, with Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Max Verstappen posting close times, while Lewis Hamilton recovered well after a crash in final practice.
- Lando Norris set the fastest time in Q2 despite facing a 10-place grid penalty, aiming to minimize its impact by overtaking those ahead during the race.
- Several drivers, including Isack Hadjar and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, face grid penalties for new power unit components, pushing them to the back of the starting order.
- Mercedes leads the constructors’ championship with Antonelli and Russell holding strong in the drivers’ standings, though Russell is adapting his driving style to improve consistency.
- Hamilton’s crash in final practice caused significant damage to his Ferrari, but the team worked hard to enable his participation in qualifying, which he managed to do successfully.
