Kimi Antonelli Pole, Extends Streak To Six At Belgian Grand Prix

 

Kimi Antonelli will start at the front at the Belgian Grand Prix, after claiming pole in the qualifying session, extending his streak to six and Mercedes's 10th consecutive pole this season. 

Mercedes had shown to be a strong contender in the final practice, which Antonelli dominated, holding off Max Verstappen in the trail. Their rivalry continued into the qualifying session in Q3, but the Italian driver edged his rivals out, setting the fastest time in 1:44.361 seconds. 

Lando Norris was unable to shake up the front row when he pitted instead of making his second run. Initially, he had edged out both Verstappen and Antonelli, setting the fastest time in his first run. His teammate, Oscar Piastri, could not improve on his time and finished outside of the top five. 

Arvid Lindblad's performance dropped in the middle sector after being the fastest in the first sector of his lap. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc could not make an impression in Q3, failing to improve on their times and dropping out of the contest for pole position. 

Belgian Grand Prix Top five 

1. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes).... 1:44.361s. 

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)...1:44.678s

3. Lando Norris (McLaren)....1:44.801s

4. George Russell (Mercedes)

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)

7. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 

8. Arvid Lindblad (RB)

9. Gabriel Bortoleto (Audi)

10. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull)