It became official after Formula 1 qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps. The FIA has frozen the starting grid for the Belgian Grand Prix following the holiday’s traditional engine penalties. However, be careful because now that the starting classification is complete, it is safe to say that other teams are betting on engine changes and will therefore be penalized on the grid.
Read also: Formula 1 Qualifying at Spa: Antonelli is really too strong, Verstappen thanks Hajjar for second place
Two comebacks to watch at the 2026 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix.
For his part, Lando Norris, who chose to serve 10 penalties this weekend despite having the pace to challenge for victory (for the third time in qualifying), turns this Grand Prix into a true life-size simulation exercise. Overtaking is an art at Spa and the Briton has just challenged himself to Dantes. The situation is similar with Isak Hajjar, whose Red Bull Ford should allow the Frenchman to return to the points.
Qualified for P3 👊 #McLarenF1 | #BelgianGP 🇧🇪 pic.twitter.com/fPxrtLtiLu
— McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team (@McLarenF1) July 18, 2026
Penalty Buffet (Official Draw)
| Pos. | Pilot | Stable | The essence of the strategy |
| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | On pole, but under direct threat of Max’s relegation. |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | Major qualifier winner. Ideally located. |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | In ambush behind his young teammate. |
| 4 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | A great opportunity to get on the podium after difficult tests. |
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | Ready to pounce on the slightest mistake in Raidillon. |
| 6 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | Single-handedly defend Woking’s interests. |
| 7 | Arvid Lindblad | Racing bulls | An excellent operation for a beginner. |
| 8 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | In virtual locations before the lights go out. |
| 9 | Liam Lawson | Racing bulls | Included in the Top 10. |
| 10 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | A qualification saved by the failures of others. |
| 11 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | Immediately after Gasly, the internal struggle promises to be hot. |
| 12 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | In ambush. |
| 13 | Lando Norris | McLaren | Fined 10 places. The speed leader in the race goes among wild animals. |
| 14 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | Completely anonymous this weekend. |
| 15 | Oliver Birman | Haas F1 Team | — |
| 16 | Alexander Albon | Williams | — |
| 17 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | — |
| 18 | Valtteri Bottas | Cadillac | In complete despair. |
| 19 | Sergio Perez | Cadillac | — |
| 20 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | Fined 10 places. |
| 21 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | Fined 20 places. |
| 22 | Isak Hadjar | Red Bull Racing | Fined 30 places. The top 10 in the third quarter was just a mirage that started from the bottom of the tank. |
Laugh at yourself Mag Sport Auto : With such an explosive lineup, it seems that everything has worked out in such a way that a magnificent spectacle awaits us on Sunday. Provided that Kimi Antonelli does not slip away from the start. But with Max Verstappen second on the grid and at home, it’s safe to say that the first stage will be controversial and that the young Mercedes driver will be under threat. Behind, George Russell and the Ferrari team will clearly be contenders for the podium. Or even more? Finally, the rise of Hajar and Norris will represent another interesting aspect of this event.
The article was published on 07/18/2026 at 17:32.
Julien Barthe
Professional editor (press card with 3 years of experience), founder, director and editor-in-chief of Le Mag Sport Auto, Le Mag Auto Prestige and Le Mag Jeux High-Tech magazines.
Car driver experience : With solid competitive experience and 55 races under my belt, I have progressed in various categories:
Single and racing : Formula Ford – F. Campus – Midget
Branded sedans and coupes : Cup 206 (sprint and relay) – Saxo – Ford Fiesta Germany
Prize list : 1 Victory
I have also carried out numerous technical tests on high level cars, particularly in Formula 3, Nascar Euro, Caterham and Formula Renault.
Finally, I recently appeared as a Formula 1 specialist on the Thomas Hughes show on TV B Smart. Find me on LinkedIn, X, TikTok, YouTube View author’s posts