At the Belgian Grand Prix final practice session on Saturday, July 18, 2026, Formula One leader Kimi Antonelli recorded the fastest lap for Mercedes at Spa-Francorchamps. The 19-year-old Italian driver clocked a best time of 1:45.990, edging out McLaren's reigning world champion Lando Norris by 0.139 seconds.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen secured third place on the timesheets, followed by Antonelli's teammate and closest title rival George Russell in fourth. Lewis Hamilton was fifth fastest but suffered a crash in the final seconds of the session. Hamilton went off into the gravel at Fagnes, hitting the tyre wall and damaging the rear wing and suspension, scattering debris across the track. The seven-time world champion apologized over team radio, saying, "I've destroyed the car, mate. I'm sorry," before inspecting the damage.

Hamilton currently sits third in the championship standings, 32 points behind Antonelli, who leads Russell by 25 points after nine rounds.

Other notable performers included Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in sixth, McLaren's Oscar Piastri seventh, Audi's Nico Hulkenberg and Gabriel Bortoleto eighth and ninth respectively, with Red Bull's Isack Hadjar completing the top ten.

Max Verstappen slowed for double yellow flags following Hamilton's accident, and Williams' Carlos Sainz narrowly avoided a collision with Verstappen's car.

Sources