Formula 1 fans searching who won the belgian grand prix have their answer after an action-packed afternoon at the iconic Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Mercedes star Kimi Antonelli delivered another outstanding performance to take victory in the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, strengthening his lead in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship and continuing his remarkable breakthrough season.
The race featured strategic battles, an early collision involving George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, changing race leaders through the pit-stop cycle, and another mature drive from Antonelli, who eventually crossed the finish line ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen.
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Key Points Summary
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║ – Kimi Antonelli won the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa. ║
║ – Charles Leclerc finished second after briefly leading the race. ║
║ – Max Verstappen completed the podium in third place. ║
║ – George Russell retired after an early collision. ║
║ – Antonelli extended his Formula 1 championship advantage. ║
╚════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝Belgian Grand Prix 2026 Winner
Kimi Antonelli continued his sensational rookie campaign by claiming victory at Spa-Francorchamps. Starting from pole position, the Mercedes driver once again demonstrated exceptional race pace, calm decision-making, and consistent tyre management throughout the event.
Although several rivals attempted alternative pit strategies, Antonelli remained in control during the decisive stages. After Charles Leclerc temporarily inherited the lead during the pit-stop sequence, Antonelli successfully reclaimed first place with a clean on-track overtake before building a comfortable advantage to the checkered flag.
The victory marked another important milestone in Antonelli’s rapidly growing Formula 1 career and further established him as the championship favorite heading into the next round.
Belgian Grand Prix 2026 Top 10 Finishers
According to the official race classification:
| Position | Driver |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) |
| 2 | Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) |
| 3 | Max Verstappen (Red Bull) |
| 4 | Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) |
| 5 | Oscar Piastri (McLaren) |
| 6 | Isack Hadjar |
| 7 | Lando Norris |
| 8 | Gabriel Bortoleto |
| 9 | Arvid Lindblad |
| 10 | Franco Colapinto |
Hamilton crossed the line fourth despite serving a five-second penalty earlier in the race.
Early Drama Changed the Race
The Belgian Grand Prix produced drama almost immediately.
George Russell suffered a difficult opening lap after losing momentum and later becoming involved in a collision with Lewis Hamilton. The contact sent Russell into retirement, dealing a major setback to his championship campaign.
Hamilton continued after receiving a time penalty for causing the incident, while Russell left Spa without scoring points.
The incident dramatically altered the championship picture, allowing Antonelli to increase his advantage at the top of the standings.
Antonelli’s Winning Strategy
Victory at Spa required more than outright speed.
Antonelli combined strong qualifying pace with disciplined race management. His tyre preservation allowed Mercedes to execute an effective strategy despite interruptions caused by the Virtual Safety Car.
When Ferrari briefly appeared to have gained the upper hand through pit strategy, Antonelli patiently closed the gap before overtaking Charles Leclerc on track.
Rather than forcing risky moves, the young Italian waited for the right opportunity, highlighting a level of maturity rarely seen from a driver in his first Formula 1 season.
Ferrari Shows Improved Pace
Ferrari enjoyed one of its strongest weekends of the season.
The result suggested Ferrari has narrowed the performance gap to Mercedes on high-speed circuits, particularly at Spa where straight-line speed plays a major role.
Although Ferrari ultimately missed out on victory, the team’s overall pace offered encouraging signs heading into the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Verstappen Maximizes the Result
Max Verstappen secured another podium despite being unable to match Antonelli’s overall race pace.
The Red Bull driver remained close to the leaders throughout much of the afternoon but never found a realistic opportunity to challenge for victory.
Third place nevertheless added valuable championship points and kept Red Bull firmly in the fight for the Constructors’ Championship.
McLaren Faces Mixed Afternoon
McLaren entered Spa expecting to compete near the front but experienced a more challenging race.
Oscar Piastri finished fifth after a steady drive, while Lando Norris recovered from a grid penalty to finish seventh and salvage useful championship points.
Although neither McLaren driver challenged for victory, both limited the damage in the title race.
George Russell Suffers Championship Blow
Few drivers endured a more frustrating afternoon than George Russell.
Technical issues early in the race left him vulnerable before the collision that ultimately ended his afternoon.
The retirement means Russell loses further ground in the Drivers’ Championship at a critical point in the season.
Following the race, Russell admitted the disappointment was difficult to accept after a weekend that had already been affected by performance issues.
Spa-Francorchamps Delivers Another Classic
The Belgian Grand Prix once again demonstrated why Spa-Francorchamps remains one of Formula 1’s most beloved venues.
Its combination of long straights, dramatic elevation changes, and famous corners such as Eau Rouge and Raidillon consistently produces memorable racing.
Changing weather conditions, strategic uncertainty, and overtaking opportunities ensured another entertaining chapter in the circuit’s long Formula 1 history.
What the Result Means for the Championship
Antonelli’s victory further strengthens his position at the top of the Drivers’ Championship.
With another maximum points haul, Mercedes leaves Belgium with growing momentum before the next race in Hungary.
Ferrari’s improved competitiveness also suggests the championship battle may become even closer over the coming rounds, while Red Bull and McLaren remain firmly in contention.
As the season approaches its midpoint, every race is becoming increasingly significant in determining both world titles.
Final Thoughts
Anyone wondering who won the belgian grand prix can now celebrate another impressive display from Kimi Antonelli. His composed drive at Spa showcased speed, strategy, and maturity beyond his years, while Ferrari and Red Bull remained close enough to promise an exciting championship fight during the remainder of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
What did you think of the Belgian Grand Prix? Share your thoughts below and stay tuned for more Formula 1 updates throughout the season!
