Antonelli Leads Qualifying at Spa as Hamilton Crashes in Final Practice

Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in the opening phase of qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps, posting a 1:44.801 lap that put him ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. Norris, who carries a ten-place grid penalty, was the second-quickest driver, while Verstappen was third.

Mercedes driver George Russell was slower, recording a best time of 1:45.142 and sitting eighth overall. Russell later said, "> I know exactly what I need to do. When I’ve performed at my very best it’s been subconscious; now I have to adapt my approach."

In final practice, Lewis Hamilton crashed at the exit of the Fagnes corner, damaging the rear right of his rebuilt Ferrari. The driver emerged unharmed and described the incident as a total loss of the car.

Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar, who is serving a back-of-the-grid penalty for power-unit changes, provided a tow for Verstappen during the session, as predicted by analysts. Several drivers were eliminated in Q1, including Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Sergio Pérez, while the drop-zone also saw the exit of Valtteri Bottas and Alex Albon.

Williams technical director James Vowles commented on the competitive field, stating, "> The field is both tight and developing rapidly. We have to make a better car."

The session was marked by a brief red flag after Nico Hülkenberg suffered a hydraulic leak, but qualifying resumed without further interruption.