Kimi Antonelli admitted that starting the Belgian Grand Prix on the front row is not going to be straightforward at Spa‑Francorchamps, a circuit where pole position has often proved a poisoned chalice. He secured his sixth pole in 10 races, beating Max Verstappen by three‑tenths and George Russell by a full half‑second. The front‑row advantage is undercut by the short run to La Source and the long uphill to Les Combes, where the leader is vulnerable to a close‑range overtaking move. Past races show the lead అప్పజెప్పే early, with Oscar Piastri, Charles Leclerc, Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez all passing the pole sitter on the first lap in recent years. Antonelli, who has been the fastest in practice, says a good start and a clear run into Turn Five are vital. Despite a string of five wins, he has gone three races without victory, and reliability issues have cut his lead from 68 to 25 points. He remains optimistic that a good start and pace will keep him ahead.

Verstappen, meanwhile, is on the front row for the third time this season and predicts that if Antonelli pulls ahead he will simply pass him on the straights. He notes that his race will hinge on mirroring Russell and the Ferraris impetus behind him.

At Spa, the risk of losing the pole is real, but Antonelli’s speed remains a key factor in the championship battle.