In Pictures: Belgium 2026
It was time to go back to school, metaphorically speaking. The circus headed to a track many describe as the university of Formula 1 due to the variety of technical challenges drivers must tackle. The teams were at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, the penultimate round before the summer break.
At 7.004 kilometers, Spa-Francorchamps is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar and one of the most beloved, thanks to its rich history, having been part of the World Championship since 1950, and its spectacular layout, characterized by long straights, high-speed corners, and the greatest elevation change of the season.
The track is set in the Ardennes Forest, which has a very particular microclimate compared to the rest of the region. In case of bad weather, rain-laden clouds take longer to clear the area, leaving the circuit damp and affecting the asphalt conditions. When it rains, drivers often encounter dry sections of track alongside others that remain wet, making tire choice between slicks and intermediates particularly delicate.
This year's event marked the 71st Belgian Grand Prix. Spa-Francorchamps has now hosted the race 59 times, while Zolder staged 10 editions and Nivelles two. Michael Schumacher remains the most successful driver in Belgian Grand Prix history, with six victories.
FRIDAY
Kimi Antonelli was the fastest driver on the opening day of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, setting a time of 1:45.944. The Mercedes driver posted the lap on the Soft tires, finishing ahead of Lando Norris, second with a 1:46.134, and Max Verstappen, third with a 1:46.416.
FP2 took place with track temperatures of 98.6°F (37°C) and an ambient temperature of 77°F (25°C). Drivers used only the Medium C3 and Soft C4 compounds. The number of laps completed was lower than usual following the red flag triggered by Pierre Gasly, which interrupted the session. Antonelli and Norris completed 17 laps each, while Verstappen managed 20.
In the first session, Max Verstappen set the fastest time with a 1:47.070, ahead of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Track temperatures were higher, peaking at 109.4°F (43°C).
SATURDAY
Kimi Antonelli was the fastest driver of the day, securing pole position at Spa-Francorchamps. The young Italian lapped more than three tenths of a second quicker than Max Verstappen in second place, while Lando Norris qualified third.
Antonelli completed 15 laps, posting a best time of 1:44.361. Verstappen's quickest lap was a 1:44.678 over 12 laps, while Norris recorded a 1:44.801 after 11 laps.
The Italian had already impressed in the third free practice session, topping the timesheets with a 1:45.990 ahead of Norris and Verstappen.
SUNDAY
Kimi Antonelli won the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps after prevailing in a race-long duel with Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver finished second, ahead of Max Verstappen. All three started on the Medium compound before switching to the Hard tires.
Following George Russell's retirement, Antonelli extended his championship lead over his closest rival and Mercedes teammate. Russell also lost second place in the standings to Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth and now trails the championship leader by 45 points, five fewer than Russell.
Enjoy our selection of images from another memorable Belgian Grand Prix weekend at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps.
Media courtesy of Pirelli S.p.A., Getty Images, and the official Formula 1 team press offices. All images are provided via Getty Images through the respective team media platforms and are credited to their rightful copyright holders. Photos not for sale.
