Verstappen Outpaces Hamilton in Belgian Grand Prix Practice
Max Verstappen surprised many by clocking a faster lap than Lewis Hamilton during the first practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix. Despite Red Bull’s challenging start to the 2026 season, Verstappen finished 0.145 seconds ahead of Hamilton, with Charles Leclerc trailing closely in third, approximately two-tenths behind the leading duo.
Uncertain Future for Verstappen
As speculation about his future mounts, Verstappen has remained tight-lipped regarding his potential move for the 2027 season. Discussions with McLaren management took place last month, yet should Red Bull maintain their competitive edge in the forthcoming races, it seems likely that the Dutch driver will continue with the team.
Strong Performance Despite Setbacks
Izak Hajar, starting from the back of the grid on race day due to a power unit change, showcased Red Bull’s formidable early speed by finishing in fourth place. The Milton Keynes-based team has made adjustments following Verstappen’s crashes in Austria and Silverstone, where a rear wing failure was identified as the culprit. Their revised design, however, has not hindered performance, particularly at Spa-Francorchamps, a circuit known for its emphasis on engine power.
New Engine Challenges for Mercedes
Mercedes faced complications during practice, with championship leader Kimi Antonelli clocking in sixth, 0.533 seconds off Verstappen’s pace. The team is currently investigating a potential issue with its power unit that surfaced at Silverstone, complicating the situation for drivers Antonelli and George Russell, who was eighth in a session that left Mercedes searching for answers.
Hydraulic Issues for McLaren’s Piastri
Oscar Piastri of McLaren secured fifth place but encountered hydraulic problems in the latter half of the session, forcing him to return to the pits slowly. Fellow competitor Lando Norris faces a 10-place grid penalty due to exceeding limits relating to the control electronics within his engine.
Top Performers and New Upgrades
Racing Bulls’ Arvid Lindblad made notable strides, finishing ninth with a car that featured new sidepod upgrades. Audi’s Gabriel Bortleto rounded out the top ten, while their teammates Liam Lawson and Nico Hulkenberg finished 11th and 12th, respectively. Haas Racing also introduced new components, including an upgraded front wing, with Oliver Bearman narrowly achieving 13th position.
Upcoming Schedule for Belgian Grand Prix
As the weekend unfolds, motorsport fans can look forward to a series of exciting events. The schedule includes F3 and F2 qualifying sessions on Friday, leading into practices and qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday, and culminating with the main race itself on Sunday at 2 PM. All sessions will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, ensuring viewers won’t miss any of the high-octane action.
