Kimi Antonelli leads practice as George Russell struggles at Belgian GP
Motorsport.com • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 4:38 PM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
George Russell finished eighth in practice for the Belgian Grand Prix on July 17, trailing teammate Kimi Antonelli by 1.2 seconds. Antonelli, following a poor performance at Silverstone, has a 25-point lead in the championship standings. Russell noted issues with cold rear tires during the session. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris finished third and second, respectively, while Lewis Hamilton placed fourth. The session experienced a 13-minute suspension due to Pierre Gasly's crash. The results set the stage for an intense 44-lap race this weekend.
- •George Russell finished eighth in practice for the Belgian GP.
- •Kimi Antonelli set the fastest time in the session.
- •Russell reduced Antonelli's championship lead to 25 points previously.
- •Max Verstappen and Lando Norris secured third and second place, respectively.
- •Session was red-flagged for 13 minutes due to Pierre Gasly's crash.
- 6:31 PMMotorsport.com — Mercedes "chasing" George Russell improvement after messy Belgian GP Friday
- 4:38 PMYahoo Sports — George Russell flounders in Belgian GP practice as teammate and rival Kimi Antonelli thrives
"Mercedes says it has identified clear areas of improvement for George Russell to bounce back after a low-key start to his Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Kimi Antonelli led the way at Spa-Francorchamps with a 1m45.944s lap set one-third into second practice. Team-mate Russell had a less straight-forward session, ending the day in eighth over 1.2s in arrears of his championship leading ...Keep reading
"Russell has cut down his Mercedes teammate’s lead in the title race, but it could soon grow again
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJul 17, 2026, 6:31 PMMercedes "chasing" George Russell improvement after messy Belgian GP Friday
Mercedes says it has identified clear areas of improvement for George Russell to bounce back after a low-key start to his Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Kimi Antonelli led the way at Spa-Francorchamps with a 1m45.944s lap set one-third into second practice. Team-mate Russell had a less straight-forward session, ending the day in eighth over 1.2s in arrears of his championship leading ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJul 17, 2026, 4:38 PMGeorge Russell flounders in Belgian GP practice as teammate and rival Kimi Antonelli thrives
Russell has cut down his Mercedes teammate’s lead in the title race, but it could soon grow again
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