Ferrari races to repair Lewis Hamilton's car for Belgian GP qualifying after practice crash
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, outperforming Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Despite Red Bull's strategic teamwork to provide Verstappen with a slipstream, Antonelli maintained a significant pace advantage.
Why it matters
This performance highlights the rising influence of young talent in Formula 1 and the ongoing competitive gap between Mercedes and Red Bull.
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (AP) — It took two of Kimi Antonelli's rivals working together to put the Formula 1 standings leader to the test. It still wasn't enough.
The 19-year-old Italian beat a display of Red Bull formation flying to take pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix in qualifying on Saturday and boost his push to be the youngest-ever champion.
Max Verstappen had set the fastest time after smart coordination with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar to give him the strongest possible slipstream on his lap. Hadjar stayed in front through the high-speed Blanchimont corners, only moving across at the very last moment to avoid being hit by his own teammate.
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