Kimi Antonelli delivered another emphatic qualifying performance to claim pole position for Formula 1's Belgian Grand Prix, beating Max Verstappen by 0.317s as Mercedes maintained its perfect grand prix qualifying record in 2026. Red Bull had attempted to maximise Verstappen's chances by using team-mate Isack Hadjar as a tow on the Dutchman's final flying lap. But Antonelli responded immediately, finding more than three tenths of a second to comfortably restore Mercedes' advantage. When the session resumed, Antonelli and Verstappen both improved, while Norris abandoned his second flying lap after running wide through the gravel at Turn 13. Nico Hulkenberg qualified 14th despite suffering a hydraulic failure on his in-lap after Q2, briefly delaying the start of the final qualifying segment.