Kimi Antonelli Dominates Belgian Grand Prix Amidst Hamilton's Drama

New Delhi, India Jul 19, 2026 ALN: Championship leader Kimi Antonelli returned to winning ways at the Belgian Grand Prix with victory from pole position at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Belgian Grand Prix, held at the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit, is one of the most anticipated events on the 1 calendar. Known for its challenging layout, elevation changes, and unpredictable weather, Spa often serves as a pivotal race in the championship standings. This year, the race was no different as Kimi Antonelli showcased his exceptional driving skills, securing a dominant victory that further solidified his lead in the championship.

After starting from pole position, Antonelli maintained his composure throughout the race, demonstrating not only speed but also strategic acumen. His victory was particularly significant as it extended his lead in the championship to 45 points over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who faced a tumultuous race filled with drama. Hamilton's teammate, George Russell, was involved in an early collision with Hamilton, which resulted in both drivers having to navigate the aftermath of the incident. Ultimately, Hamilton finished fourth, while Russell's misfortune saw him drop to third in the championship standings, now trailing Antonelli by 50 points.

The race weekend also featured a variety of driver performances that highlighted the competitive nature of the current 1 season. Here are my ratings for how the drivers performed across the whole weekend in Belgium.

Kimi Antonelli - 9.5/10

Antonelli's performance was nearly flawless. He topped two out of the three practice sessions, showcasing his and Mercedes' pace ahead of the race. His qualifying effort was particularly impressive, as he secured pole position with a margin of over three-tenths of a second, indicating not just speed but also confidence in his setup. During the race, despite facing challenges, including an unfortunately timed virtual safety car, Antonelli managed to regain the lead from Charles Leclerc and maintained it to the finish line, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure and make decisive moves when necessary.

Charles Leclerc - 8.5/10

Leclerc's performance was commendable as he maximized Ferrari's potential. Starting from a competitive position, he managed to challenge Antonelli for the lead early in the race. The virtual safety car played to his advantage, allowing him to maintain a close gap to Antonelli after losing the lead. However, a moment of contact with Oscar Piastri marred an otherwise strong performance, showcasing the fine line drivers walk between aggression and caution in high-stakes racing.

Max Verstappen - 8/10

Verstappen, known for his aggressive driving style and ability to seize opportunities, had a strong race weekend. He qualified on the front row and made a brilliant start, briefly taking the lead. However, he ultimately could not keep pace with Antonelli, finishing on the podium but unable to mount a serious challenge for the win. His performance reinforced Red Bull's competitive standing in the championship, even as they continue to chase Mercedes.

Lewis Hamilton - 6/10

Hamilton's race was characterized by a mix of speed and chaos. Recovering from a heavy crash in the final practice session, he faced a grid penalty after the collision with Russell on the opening lap. Despite demonstrating pace and resilience, his overall performance was hindered by the drama, leading to a fourth-place finish that left him frustrated. This race exemplified the unpredictability of 1, where fortunes can change rapidly, and even the most experienced drivers can find themselves in difficult situations.

Oscar Piastri - 6.5/10

Piastri had a challenging race, having sustained damage from his contact with Leclerc. Nevertheless, he showed determination and skill, managing to secure a fifth-place finish. His performance was somewhat overshadowed by his teammate Lando Norris, who appeared to have a stronger grip on the pace throughout the weekend. Piastri's ability to remain competitive despite the damage highlighted his potential as a rising star in the .

Isack Hadjar - 9/10

Hadjar delivered one of the standout performances of the race, starting from 21st on the grid and charging to sixth place. His aggressive strategy and ability to navigate through the field showcased not only his talent but also the potential of the Red Bull junior team. His performance was a significant boost for Red Bull, demonstrating that they have depth in their driver lineup and that emerging talents can make a substantial impact.

Lando Norris - 7.5/10

Norris's qualifying performance was promising, placing him third on the grid. However, a mistake during the final qualifying session cost him a chance to challenge for the win. His race was marred by a long first stint and a slow pit stop, which ultimately left him just short of Hadjar. Despite these setbacks, Norris's overall pace and consistency continue to position him as a key driver for McLaren.

Gabriel Bortoleto - 8/10

Bortoleto had another solid weekend, reaching Q3 and managing to stay out of trouble during the race. His ability to convert an eighth-place starting position into a points finish reflects the growing competitiveness of the Audi team and Bortoleto's own development as a driver. His performance is indicative of the team's efforts to improve and compete more effectively in the midfield.

Arvid Lindblad - 7.5/10

Lindblad's strong qualifying performance placed him eighth, and he executed a mature race to secure points for his team. Racing Bulls displayed one of the quickest midfield cars, but Lindblad's ability to hold his nerve and capitalize on the opportunities presented during the race was commendable. His performance underscores the importance of consistency and experience in 1.

Franco Colapinto - 8/10

Colapinto's race was marked by strategic thinking and decisive moves. He successfully claimed the final point, demonstrating his ability to outperform more experienced drivers. His battle with Pierre Gasly and Liam Lawson showcased his racing instincts and ability to seize opportunities, further establishing him as a promising driver in the competitive landscape of 1.

Pierre Gasly - 5.5/10

Gasly's weekend was compromised by a crash in practice, which affected his performance during the race. Despite qualifying ahead of Colapinto, he struggled to maintain his position and ultimately lost a point to his teammate. This result was disappointing for Gasly, who is known for his resilience and competitive spirit, and he will be looking to bounce back in the upcoming races.

Liam Lawson - 6/10

Lawson started the race strongly, running in a points-scoring position early on. However, his attempt to pass Gasly resulted in a lost position to Colapinto, and he eventually finished 12th. This race highlighted the challenges of maintaining pace and position in a highly competitive field, but Lawson's early performance suggests he has the talent to compete at this level.

Nico Hulkenberg - 5.5/10

Hulkenberg was in contention for the final point but ultimately could not convert his efforts into a top-10 finish. He faced challenges throughout the weekend and was outqualified and outscored by his Audi teammate Bortoleto, which adds pressure as he aims to improve his standing in the championship.

Oliver Bearman - 5.5/10

Bearman's weekend was largely uneventful. He missed a place in Q2 by a narrow margin and did not threaten to score points during the race. His performance reflects the challenges faced by drivers in a competitive midfield, where every fraction of a second counts, and consistency is key.

Alex Albon - 5.5/10

Albon struggled with the competitiveness of the Williams car throughout the weekend but managed to finish ahead of Carlos Sainz, who had his own difficulties. While finishing 15th is not a strong result, Albon's ability to lead his team home is a small consolation as Williams continues to search for improvements.

Carlos Sainz - 4.5/10

Sainz faced a challenging race marked by a grid penalty and early damage. His frustration with team decisions, including a front wing change, affected his performance, ultimately finishing behind his teammate Albon. This race was a setback for Sainz, who is known for his ability to extract performance from difficult situations.

Esteban Ocon - 3.5/10

Ocon's weekend was disappointing, starting with a poor qualifying performance and compounded by incidents on the first lap. His puncture left him struggling at the back of the pack, and he could not recover, highlighting the difficulties of racing in a highly competitive environment.

Valtteri Bottas - 5/10

Bottas was the only Cadillac driver to finish the race, which is a testament to his consistency, but there was little else to celebrate. His performance was overshadowed by the struggles of his team, and finishing a lap down is a reminder of the challenges faced by Cadillac in the current season.

Fernando Alonso - 4/10

Alonso's weekend was marked by disappointment. Starting from the back of the grid due to a penalty, he finished two laps down, struggling to find pace and competitiveness. This race was another reminder of the struggles faced by Aston Martin, who have not been able to replicate their earlier season form.

Lance Stroll - 3.5/10

Stroll's race ended prematurely due to a suspected gearbox problem after starting from the final row. His struggles reflect the challenges faced by Aston Martin, and the lack of positives from this weekend will be concerning for the team moving forward.

Sergio Perez - 4/10

Perez's performance was disappointing as he was outqualified by his teammate Bottas and retired from the race due to a suspension problem. This weekend was another difficult chapter for Perez and Cadillac, as they continue to seek competitive performance in a challenging season.

George Russell - 6.5/10

Russell's weekend ended in tragedy as he faced a collision with Hamilton on the first lap. Despite a strong qualifying effort, his race was cut short, leaving him frustrated and seeking answers as his team navigates the complexities of their championship battle.

In conclusion, the Belgian Grand Prix served as a significant turning point in the current season, with Kimi Antonelli's victory solidifying his position at the top of the championship standings. The race highlighted the intense competition among drivers and teams, the unpredictability of racing, and the ongoing challenges that teams must navigate as they strive for success in 1. As the season progresses, the implications of this race will undoubtedly shape the strategies and performances of all teams involved.