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Kimi Antonelli leads Mercedes in practice at Belgian Grand Prix

Formula1.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 7:12 PM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Kimi Antonelli leads Mercedes in practice at Belgian Grand Prix

Summary

Kimi Antonelli put Mercedes at the top of the standings in the second practice session of the Belgian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen of Red Bull had earlier set the pace in the first session. Red Bull's Verstappen had outpaced Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, who represent Ferrari. Mercedes had appeared to struggle initially, but Antonelli's performance shifted the outlook for the team heading into the weekend.

Source Links

Formula1.com

By the Numbers

•Max Verstappen led first practice for Red Bull.
•Kimi Antonelli topped the second session for Mercedes.
•Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were competitive but fell behind.
•The Belgian Grand Prix weekend continues with further sessions ahead.

What they're saying

"
Red Bull started the Belgian Grand Prix weekend on the front foot as Max Verstappen outpaced the Ferrari duo of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in first practice with Mercedes looking off the pace – but then Kimi Antonelli turned everything on its head as he put the Silver Arrows top of the pile in the second session. So, what is the state of play heading into the weekend?
— Formula1.comby Formula 1

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