Spa-Francorchamps delivers a starting grid that no one saw coming. World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli was once again faster than everyone else and took pole position, but it is the second starting spot that causes the most commotion: Max Verstappen, helped by a perfect tow from teammate Isack Hadjar, beats the other top drivers and starts alongside Antonelli on the front row.
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Directly behind them starts George Russell, putting Mercedes with both cars at the front. The Brit will undoubtedly hope to benefit from the presence of his teammate during the sprint to La Source and then the long run towards Kemmel. Charles Leclerc had to settle for fourth place after he slowed down during his decisive lap due to a yellow flag. Teammate Lewis Hamilton starts fifth. The Ferrari driver had a hectic Saturday after heavily damaging his car in the third free practice, but thanks to the mechanics’ excellent work, he was still able to participate in qualifying.
Oscar Piastri starts sixth, followed by a strong-performing Racing Bulls duo with Arvid Lindblad in seventh place and Liam Lawson in ninth. In between, Gabriel Bortoleto surprised on behalf of Audi with an impressive eighth starting position. Pierre Gasly completes the top ten.
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Grid penalties
The starting grid also looks different from what the qualifying results suggested. Lando Norris dropped ten places due to an engine change and therefore starts from thirteenth place. Hadjar and the Aston Martin drivers Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso also received grid penalties and start at the back. Familiar territory for Aston Martin, but Norris is therefore considered an important candidate for an impressive comeback, while Hadjar will also aim for a strong charge forward with his speed.
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The lights for the Belgian GP go out today at 15:00 Dutch time.
Read everything about the Belgian GP here
