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Antonelli Wins Belgian GP as Russell Is Taken Out in First‑Lap Collision

The victory widens Antonelli’s championship lead, exposes rival battery issues and puts a Ferrari pit‑release under FIA investigation ahead of the Hungarian round.

Overview

  • Kimi Antonelli converted pole into victory at Spa‑Francorchamps on Sunday to claim his sixth win of the 2026 season and substantially extend his lead in the drivers’ standings.
  • George Russell was spun into the gravel and retired after contact with Lewis Hamilton on lap one, a collision the stewards judged Hamilton caused with a five‑second penalty applied.
  • Russell reported a battery recharge problem at Turn One that left him vulnerable on the Kemmel Straight, continuing a season of intermittent energy‑management and reliability setbacks that have cost him points.
  • A Virtual Safety Car earlier in the race allowed Charles Leclerc to make a cheap pit stop and briefly inherit the lead before Antonelli repassed him on lap 34, underscoring how VSC timing and pit strategy are reshaping results.
  • Ferrari faces an FIA post‑race probe for an unsafe pit release after Hamilton clipped a mechanic who was unhurt, a development that could alter final placings and adds operational scrutiny as teams head to Hungary next weekend.