Antonelli wins Belgian GP, leads championship by 45 points

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli has extended his commanding lead in the Formula 1 world championship with a dominant victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, a stark contrast to his struggles at the same circuit just one year ago. The 19-year-old Italian's win on July 20, 2026, was his sixth of the season and increased his championship advantage to 45 points over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, with his Mercedes teammate George Russell a further five points behind after retiring on the opening lap.

Team principal Toto Wolff hailed Antonelli's remarkable transformation from a rookie who endured a nightmare weekend at Spa-Francorchamps in 2025 to the series' most consistent performer. Wolff acknowledged that while flashes of brilliance were expected in Antonelli's debut season, the driver's newfound composure and maturity have been the defining factors in his title charge. The Mercedes boss said the team is surprised by the serenity and structured approach Antonelli now brings to his work, regardless of a session's outcome.

"What was not expected is the serenity and structure that he brought into his game," Wolff explained. He described Antonelli's post-session debriefs as "absolutely...