Andrea Kimi Antonelli was victorious at the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, but it was not a walk in the park for the Italian.
Antonelli stood on the top step of the podium in Spa-Francorchamps, the sixth time in 2026. He came out ahead after an opening-lap battle with Max Verstappen, later losing out to Charles Leclerc before regaining the lead with 10 laps to go.
Speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, after the race, Antonelli admitted that it had not been an easy race but ultimately, he was happy with the result.
“I mean it was a hard-fought race,” he said. “Pace was a lot higher than practice, and it was not easy because Max in the first team was keeping up and then obviously Charles at great pace as well on the hards.
“So it was not easy because also saw so much deployment difference between all teams. And as well, we were strong in certain part of the track but then weak in others.
“So definitely was not straightforward but I’m very happy with it.”
‘Crazy’ opening lap scuffle
Antonelli made a good start from pole position, but that wasn’t enough to break away from the pack. The Italian driver said he was confused by the sudden charge from Leclerc and Verstappen through Eau Rouge.
“It was crazy. To be fair, I was so confused of what was happening because Max came flying past me before Eau Rouge and then I passed him back, but then I saw Charles had almost come alongside me and I was like ‘what the heck is happening?!’ like I had no clue.
“I was just trying to to hold a position on track and I was looking in my mirror the whole time because I just saw so many cars coming, but yeah, it was a crazy start but luckily we we got away cleanly.”
The 19-year-old hugely extended his championship lead with his Spa victory. Teammate George Russell was spun into the gravel on Lap 1, scoring no points for his championship charge and allowing Antonelli to take a 45-point lead over Lewis Hamilton, 50 ahead of Russell.
READ MORE – Kimi Antonelli enjoys his Spa retreat with resilient F1 Belgian GP win
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