Kimi Antonelli on Max Verstappen alert after stunning Belgian GP pole display

Kimi Antonelli knows just how important the start of the Belgian Grand Prix will be, with Max Verstappen joining the Italian on the front row.

Verstappen had secured provisional pole before Antonelli completed his final lap at Spa-Francorchamps, only for the championship leader to produce a stunning lap.

Antonelli posted a 1m 44.361 to secure yet another pole position by more than three tenths of a second over Verstappen, the biggest pole margin of the 2026 season.

The 19-year-old was the clear favourite for pole after topping both second and third practice, although he still needed tweaks to his car throughout qualifying.

The second sector was an area of significant improvement for Antonelli in the closing stages of qualifying, putting himself in a great position to extend his championship lead.

However, he recognises the importance of making a strong start, even more so with the threat of Verstappen alongside him.

"It's great to be on pole," said Antonelli. "It was not a very straightforward session, the track changed a lot. But we were able to improve lap by lap and to bring home pole, which was nice.

"But tomorrow is another day and obviously I have Max starting next to me so it's going to be important to get a good start and then be ahead into Turn Five.

"The last lap was good. I improved a lot in sector two especially so it was a nice lap. Of course there was still a little bit there and there.

"But happy with that."