Andrea Kimi Antonelli wins Belgian GP as Mercedes dominate Spa-Francorchamps

Andrea Kimi Antonelli claimed his third Grand Prix win of the season on 19 July 2026 at the Belgian Grand Prix, extending his lead in the Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship.

What happened at Spa-Francorchamps?

Antonelli converted his Saturday pole position into a lights-to-flag victory at Spa-Francorchamps. The 19-year-old Italian overtook Max Verstappen, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc at different points, holding off brief challenges before pulling clear. Mercedes’ high-speed advantage suited Antonelli perfectly: he maximised every lap, sticking the car to the floor and leaving rivals struggling to keep pace.

Why it matters for Andrea Kimi Antonelli

This win erased memories of recent struggles. Antonelli had retired in Silverstone and suffered a strategy error in Austria, but Spa-Francorchamps showed his true class. His 45-point cushion over Lewis Hamilton highlights a season of relentless dominance. The Italian is now on track to challenge for the title, with timing and execution that echo the peak years of the driver he replaced at Mercedes.

What the rivals did

Charles Leclerc ended a 19-month win drought with second place at Spa. His Ferrari teammate finished third, a result that defied pre-race expectations of a Mercedes track. Max Verstappen’s third-place finish keeps his title hopes alive, though Antonelli’s relentless pace leaves little margin for error.

George Russell’s championship bid suffered another setback. He tangled with Hamilton at Les Combes on lap one, spun off and retired. The incident cost him valuable points, leaving him 50 behind Antonelli with Hungary next. After a patchy season, Russell’s consistency remains a question mark.

What comes next for Antonelli

Antonelli heads to Hungary with momentum and a 45-point lead. Mercedes’ Spa performance proves their car can deliver on power tracks, but consistency across all circuits will decide the title. The young Italian’s ability to convert pole into wins suggests few obstacles remain. His next challenge is to maintain this form through the summer break and into the final stretch of the season.