Antonelli wins Belgian Grand Prix to claim sixth career victory

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, securing the sixth win of his Formula 1 career and extending his lead in the Formula 1 Drivers' Championship.

Antonelli set the pace throughout the practice sessions, topping Friday's running before once again setting the fastest time in Saturday's final practice session.

The young Italian continued his strong form in qualifying, securing his sixth pole position of the season. Max Verstappen lined up alongside him on the front row, while George Russell and Charles Leclerc occupied the second row of the grid.

Antonelli made a strong start, but Verstappen briefly seized the lead in the opening sector. The Dutchman's advantage was short-lived as Antonelli quickly reclaimed the lead. Charles Leclerc also overtook the Red Bull driver to move into second.

One of the race's defining moments came on the opening lap. Lewis Hamilton made contact with George Russell's Mercedes, sending the Briton off the track and forcing him to retire. The incident brought out the Safety Car, and the stewards later found Hamilton responsible, handing him a five-second time penalty.

Antonelli retained the lead at the restart, but the battle for victory was far from over. Two Virtual Safety Car periods in the middle of the race had a significant impact on strategy. Leclerc capitalised on the situation to emerge in the lead after the pit-stop cycle, while Antonelli dropped to second.

The decisive moment came on lap 34. Antonelli launched a successful overtaking move to reclaim the lead and then controlled the race to the chequered flag.

Antonelli held on to claim his sixth Formula 1 victory. Leclerc finished second, while Verstappen completed the podium in third.

The first half of the Formula 1 season will conclude next week with the Hungarian Grand Prix at the Hungaroring.