Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli claimed victory at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, extending his championship lead after starting from pole position. The 19-year-old fended off Ferrari's Charles Leclerc to secure his sixth win of the 2026 season.
Antonelli signed a post-race champagne bottle with the message "Happy Birthday, Dad" for his father Marco. Fans praised the gesture on social media as a wholesome moment.
The race saw Antonelli regain the lead after a virtual safety car allowed Leclerc to pit cheaply and briefly take first. Antonelli closed the gap and passed Leclerc on lap 34 to win by 1.9 seconds. George Russell retired on the opening lap after a collision with Lewis Hamilton.
Antonelli now leads the drivers' championship by 45 points over Hamilton in second, with Russell third. Verstappen finished third in the race. The Hungarian Grand Prix is scheduled next from 24-26 July.
