Who were the big winners and losers on a day that had huge implications for the title race?

Drama, poor execution, and standout performances; just to name a few of the story headliners at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps. Here are DIVEBOMB’s five takeaways from the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.

A grid penalty buried Norris in P13. He drove to P7 anyway, and still thinks a slow stop and VSC luck cost him more.

Charles Leclerc reflects on Ferrari's Spa podium, lingering car struggles, VSC luck, and why he won't bank on a strong Hungary yet.

Russell's Belgian Grand Prix lasted one lap — a lap one clash with Hamilton ended his race, and the gap to championship leader Antonelli grew wider.

Kimi Antonelli took his sixth victory of the 2026 season at the Belgian Grand Prix, chased all the way to the chequered flag by Charles Leclerc. Max Verstappen completed the podium, while an opening lap incident between Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took the Mercedes driver out of the race before it had even begun.

Five drivers carry penalties into the Belgian Grand Prix, including Lando Norris, Isack Hadjar and Carlos Sainz. Here’s each penalty explained; plus the FIA rule for why Isack Hadjar starts from 21st despite dropping 30 places.

From three drivers with championship ramifications on the line to a midfield battle between two teams with just one point separating them heading into the race, here are five things to keep an eye on for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.

Alpine's Pierre Gasly struggled for pace after a difficult qualifying session ended with the Frenchman outside the top 10.

Reigning F1 champion Lando Norris qualifies third at Spa but faces a ten-place grid penalty, forcing a midfield recovery drive from 12th.

Arvid Lindblad and Racing Bulls had plenty to celebrate after he reached his career best qualifying position in Spa.

Max Verstappen claims P2 at Spa thanks to a crucial Q3 tow from penalised teammate Isack Hadjar, though Antonelli's Mercedes remains out of reach.

Ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc remained realistic about the team's chances on Sunday.

George Russell qualifies fourth at Spa, hampered by a persistent straight-line speed deficit that leaves him searching for answers against his teammate.

Kimi Antonelli claims his sixth pole of the season at Spa-Francorchamps, edging out Max Verstappen, as Lando Norris runs wide into gravel late in Q3.

This weekend, it is time for the Belgian Grand Prix. The race where everything can happen. Someone who will be looking for some good results once more, is Kimi Antonelli. After an absolutely amazing start to the season, he has had some bad luck in the more recent weekends.

After a crash at Silverstone, constant technical issues, and rumours of his leave from the team, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen has given us a stark message about his future ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris will take a 10-place grid penalty at the Belgian Grand Prix as McLaren fit a fourth power unit to access Mercedes reliability fixes.

The controversial Safety Car ending at the British Grand Prix this past weekend has opened discussion about whether the FIA Sporting Regulations should be reviewed.