The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend got underway with a Friday full of interesting signs at Spa-Francorchamps. With less grip than expected, different aerodynamic configurations and a disrupted programme due to red flags, the opening two practice sessions left the competitive order still difficult to read ahead of qualifying and the race.
Max Verstappen set the pace in FP1. The Red Bull driver finished ahead of the Ferraris, immediately showing strong speed on the fast straights of the Ardennes circuit. Behind him, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc placed Ferrari near the top of the timesheets, confirming promising potential from the opening runs.
Mercedes endured a more difficult start. The team initially opted for a particularly low-downforce configuration, based on expectations of higher grip levels than those actually found on track. That choice made the first session challenging, especially through the middle sector, where balance and mechanical grip are crucial.
The picture changed dramatically in FP2. After set-up adjustments, Andrea Kimi Antonelli climbed to the top of the standings, finishing ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen. It was an important performance from the young Italian, who looked competitive both over a single lap and during the limited running completed with higher fuel loads.
Mercedes’ improvement was less evident on George Russell’s side of the garage, with the British driver still struggling with some issues, particularly in managing rear tyre temperatures. The German team therefore ended Friday with encouraging signs but also a few questions still to answer.
Ferrari completed the second session with Hamilton in fourth place, while Leclerc finished further back in 11th. However, the pace shown during FP1 suggests the Scuderia could still play a major role in the battle at the front as the weekend develops.
Pierre Gasly’s heavy crash between Turns 14 and 15 made the competitive picture even harder to assess. The resulting red flag interrupted a crucial phase of the session, significantly limiting long-run simulations and preventing several teams from gathering meaningful data with heavier fuel loads.
Penalties could also influence the rest of the weekend. Lando Norris, Lance Stroll and Isack Hadjar are among the drivers facing grid drops linked to changes of power unit components, adding another strategic variable to an already unpredictable Belgian Grand Prix.
The first verdict from Spa is therefore one of uncertainty. Verstappen started strongly, Antonelli responded in FP2, Ferrari showed competitive pace and McLaren remains firmly among the main contenders. With limited representative data on race pace, qualifying and the Grand Prix itself could produce a much more open battle.
Fabio Averna
