Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli won the Belgian Grand Prix on July 19, 2026, at Spa-Francorchamps, extending his lead in the Formula One World Championship. The victory came after a dramatic first lap that saw his teammate George Russell crash out, bringing out the safety car.
Antonelli, who started from pole position, lost the lead briefly during the pit stop phase but regained it through a decisive overtake on Red Bull's Max Verstappen. He crossed the finish line 3.2 seconds ahead of Verstappen, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc completing the podium in third place.
Russell's crash occurred at the Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex when he made contact with McLaren's Lando Norris, sending both cars into the barriers. Neither driver was injured, but the incident ended their races immediately. The stewards deemed it a racing incident and took no further action.
With this win, Antonelli now holds a 28-point lead over Verstappen in the drivers' standings with eight races remaining. Mercedes also extended their lead in the constructors' championship over Red Bull.
