Who will be victorious at Spa
The Belgian Grand Prix 2026 takes place on Sunday, 19 July, as Formula 1 returns to the legendary Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps for one of the most anticipated races of the season.
Located in Belgium’s Ardennes Forest, Spa-Francorchamps is famous for its high-speed corners, long straights, dramatic elevation changes and unpredictable weather. The race weekend runs from 17 to 19 July, with Sunday’s Grand Prix scheduled to begin at 3pm local time.
At 7.004 kilometres, Spa is the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Drivers will complete 44 laps, tackling famous sections such as La Source, Eau Rouge, Raidillon, Pouhon and Blanchimont.
Current F1 Drivers’ Championship Standings
The Belgian Grand Prix arrives at an important point in the 2026 championship battle.
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli leads the standings with 179 points. His teammate George Russell is second with 154 points, while Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton is only seven points further behind on 147.
The leading drivers ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix are:
- Kimi Antonelli – 179 points
- George Russell – 154 points
- Lewis Hamilton – 147 points
- Charles Leclerc – 108 points
- Lando Norris – 97 points
- Oscar Piastri – 82 points
Antonelli therefore holds a 25-point advantage over Russell and a 32-point lead over Hamilton. Leclerc is 71 points behind the championship leader but arrives in Belgium with renewed confidence after winning the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
Mercedes also leads the Constructors’ Championship with 333 points, ahead of Ferrari on 255 and McLaren on 179.
Who Could Win the Belgian Grand Prix?
Kimi Antonelli
Championship leader Kimi Antonelli begins the weekend as the leading favourite. The Italian has already demonstrated impressive speed and consistency during the 2026 season, including a run of five consecutive victories earlier in the championship.
Mercedes currently has the strongest overall package, and Spa’s fast layout could suit its car. A victory would allow Antonelli to strengthen his championship lead before the following race in Hungary.
George Russell
George Russell is another major contender. He sits second in the championship and remains within one race victory of his Mercedes teammate.
Russell’s experience could prove valuable if changing weather makes tyre choice and race strategy especially difficult. He will also be determined to prevent Antonelli from extending his championship advantage.
Lewis Hamilton
Lewis Hamilton should never be discounted at Spa. The Ferrari driver sits third in the championship and has an outstanding record at the Belgian circuit.
Ferrari is also expected to introduce aerodynamic updates during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend. Should those upgrades deliver improved straight-line speed and high-speed stability, Hamilton could become a serious victory contender.
Charles Leclerc
Charles Leclerc arrives at Spa after winning the British Grand Prix. Although he is further behind in the championship, his recent victory suggests that Ferrari is becoming increasingly competitive.
Leclerc’s qualifying speed could be crucial because securing a position near the front of the grid often reduces the risks associated with Spa’s crowded opening corners.
Max Verstappen
Despite sitting seventh in the standings with 76 points, Max Verstappen remains a possible winner. His results have been affected by recent reliability and car-handling issues, but his ability around Spa makes him a dangerous outsider.
Verstappen has enjoyed significant success at the Belgian Grand Prix in previous seasons. However, Red Bull will need to solve the rear-wing problems that affected him during the Austrian and British Grand Prix weekends.
The Current Belgian Grand Prix Favourites
Current winner markets place Antonelli as the favourite, followed by Russell, Hamilton and Leclerc. Verstappen is considered an outside contender, while McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are further down the list. Betting prices can change significantly following practice and qualifying.
Based on current performance, the strongest prediction is another battle between Mercedes and Ferrari. Antonelli is the driver to beat, but Russell, Hamilton and Leclerc all have realistic chances of victory.
Spa’s unpredictable weather could change everything. Rain is possible during practice and qualifying, while the circuit’s large size means one section can be wet while another remains dry. That could create safety-car periods, unexpected tyre strategies and opportunities for an outsider to challenge the championship leaders.
With the title race tightening and Ferrari closing the gap to Mercedes, the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix could become one of the defining races of the Formula 1 season.
