Kimi Antonelli topped the final practice session for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. His lap came as overall times dropped across the field, while Lewis Hamilton lost control and crashed his Ferrari in the closing minutes.
The Belgian Grand Prix, held on the 7.004‑kilometre Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, is known for its unpredictable weather and high‑speed corners, and this year’s FP3 saw the average lap time fall by approximately 0.6 seconds compared to last year’s session (source: Formula 1 timing data).
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff said Antonelli’s performance indicates the young driver is adapting quickly to the car’s demands.
Antonelli’s time of 1:45.2 placed him ahead of established stars such as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, showing that the new Mercedes W15 is delivering strong straight‑line speed and cornering stability. The improvement reflects recent upgrades to the car’s aerodynamic package, which have been focused on reducing drag on Spa’s long straights.
Hamilton’s crash occurred at Eau Rouge as he attempted to push for a faster lap, sending his Ferrari into the barriers and bringing out a yellow flag that disrupted several drivers’ final runs. The incident underlined the fine margin between pushing the limit and losing control on the challenging Ardennes circuit.
Looking ahead to qualifying, Mercedes will aim to lock out the front row with Antonelli and George Russell, while Ferrari will need to assess the damage to Hamilton’s car and decide whether a replacement chassis is required. A strong qualifying performance could set the tone for a competitive race on Sunday.
The Spa‑Francorchamps circuit, first used for Grand Prix racing in 1925, remains a favorite among drivers and fans for its blend of high‑speed sections and technical corners, often producing unpredictable results that can shift championship dynamics.
Kimi Antonelli Leads the Pack
With the FP3 session complete, attention now turns to qualifying, where teams will fine‑tune setups for the single‑lap shootout. Weather forecasts suggest a chance of rain later in the day, which could further shuffle the order and make tyre strategy a key factor.
Key questions
- Why did Kimi Antonelli top FP3 at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix?
- Kimi Antonelli set the fastest lap in final practice thanks to strong straight‑line speed and improved aerodynamics on the Mercedes W15, allowing him to beat established rivals as overall lap times fell across the field.
- What happened to Lewis Hamilton during FP3 at Spa-Francorchamps?
- Lewis Hamilton lost control of his Ferrari at the Eau Rouge corner, crashed into the barriers, and brought out a yellow flag that disrupted several drivers’ final practice laps.
