Belgian GP: Antonelli chases Leclerc for victory after Ferrari’s lucky break LIVE!

Does Antonelli hold the key to his first F1 career victory at Spa-Francorchamps?

The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix is offering a thrilling spectacle. As the race enters its decisive phase, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the Italian prodigy at Mercedes, is firmly in second place, less than two seconds behind race leader Charles Leclerc. The 18-year-old rookie is delivering a high-flying performance on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, confirming all the high hopes placed in his talent.

The race turned after a well-timed neutralization. While Antonelli was comfortably leading the race, an accident involving Daniel Ricciardo triggered a Virtual Safety Car (VSC). Ferrari, with an audacious strategy, immediately called Leclerc into the pits for fresh tires. Mercedes, on the other hand, hesitated for a few seconds, losing precious time. This lapse was enough for Leclerc to emerge ahead of Antonelli, completely reversing the race’s dynamics.

Race Analysis: Ferrari’s gamble

Ferrari’s lucky break is undeniable. The Italian team benefited from perfect timing to give Charles Leclerc the chance to take the lead. Since then, the Monegasque driver has been managing his advantage perfectly, but Antonelli is not giving up. The Mercedes driver shows impressive determination, able to stick to the Ferrari’s tail without making mistakes. Every corner, from Raidillon to the Bus Stop chicane, is a long-distance duel. The question now is whether Antonelli’s tires will hold out until the end or if the Mercedes driver can attempt a decisive attack in the final laps. The knowledgeable and passionate Belgian crowd is holding its breath.

Which driver has the most to lose in this top battle at Spa?

This question divides observers in the paddock. For Charles Leclerc, a win here would be the culmination of a rebuilding season at Ferrari, a strong message sent to the competition. For Andrea Kimi Antonelli, a first F1 podium would already be historic, but a victory would immediately propel him into the ranks of world title contenders. The pressure is immense on both sides of the garage. The outcome of this duel promises to mark the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Follow our live coverage to not miss a moment of the final laps of this thrilling Belgian Grand Prix. We will keep you informed of every overtake, every strategy, and every twist. The battle between Antonelli and Leclerc is far from over.

Also discover the performances of Charles Leclerc this season and an analysis of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Revisit the career of the prodigy rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Finally, follow the news of the Mercedes F1 team and its rival Ferrari F1.

« “Antonelli shows incredible maturity. At 18, he handles pressure like a veteran. If Mercedes gives him the right strategy, he can spring a surprise against a confident Ferrari. The fight for victory is far from decided.” »

Who is Andrea Kimi Antonelli?

Andrea Kimi Antonelli is an 18-year-old Italian driver, a rookie at Mercedes in Formula 1. He is considered one of the greatest talents of his generation and is having an impressive 2026 season.

What is Leclerc’s advantage over Antonelli in the race?

Charles Leclerc leads the race with approximately a 1.5-second advantage over Andrea Kimi Antonelli. This advantage was gained thanks to a perfect pit-stop strategy by Ferrari during a race neutralization.

Expert

Rédacteur en Chef

Moussa JDF

Rédacteur en chef et analyste de données sportives. Passionné par les tactiques et le mercato, je décortique l'actualité des grands championnats européens en temps réel pour vous offrir une information rapide, fiable et sans filtre.

✍️