Kimi Antonelli took a scintillating pole at the Belgian Grand Prix, leaving team‑mate George Russell in fourth, more than 0.5 seconds adrift. The Italian, who leads the championship from Russell by 25 points, beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen by 0.317 secs, even though the four‑time champion had a tow from teammate Isack Hadjar. McLaren’s Lando Norris was third, 0.440 secs back, despite bailing on his final lap, while the world champion faced a 10‑place grid penalty for exceeding his engine‑part allowance.

On the slowing‑down lap Antonelli sent his best wishes to his father Marco, who is celebrating his 61st birthday. He explained that Q1 felt a bit lost because of wind, but he adjusted the front‑wing flap for Q2 and then ran a good first lap in Q3, gaining time in the second lap. Verstappen said the tow gave him 0.3 secs, “otherwise I would not be standing here.”

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton finished fifth and sixth, ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and the upgraded Racing Bull of rookie Arvid Lindblad. Hadjar will start 21st after a 30‑place penalty, while Alonso sits behind him with a 20‑place penalty. The weekend showed that Antonelli’s smoothness saves battery, giving him a clear edge in the final sector.