2026 Belgian Grand Prix FP3: Antonelli Fastest, Hamilton Crashes at Spa

FP3 Session Breakdown\n\nThe one-hour session began slowly, with most drivers waiting nearly 20 minutes before heading out in sunny, dry conditions. Hamilton was initially fastest before Antonelli launched his stunning 1:45.990 lap — a full 0.8s clear of the field at the time.\n\nGeorge Russell (P4, +0.367s) struggled with straight-line speed, losing six-tenths in the first sector alone. Meanwhile, Red Bull's Isack Hadjar (P10) faced a pit lane exit issue and later narrowly avoided a collision with Lance Stroll, complaining that \"nothing is ready, everything is too cold.\" Hadjar will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid due to power unit penalties.\n\n### The Crash: Hamilton's Turn 13 Incident\n\nWith minutes remaining, Hamilton lost the rear of his Ferrari through the left-handed Turn 13, skidded across the gravel, and glanced the barrier. The damage mirrored Gasly's FP2 crash almost perfectly. Formula E driver Sam Bird noted on BBC commentary: *\"Big damage on the rear right for Lewis. He's had a bit of a twitch, oversteer, through the corner.\"*\n\n### Teams to Watch\n\n- Audi: A promising session with Nico Hulkenberg (P8) and Gabriel Bortoleto (P9) both in the top 10.\n- McLaren: Piastri (P7) will lead the team's qualifying charge given Norris's penalty.\n- Racing Bulls: Rookie Arvid Lindblad (P11) continues to impress, just outside the top 10.\n\n### Full FP3 Top 10 Results\n\n| Pos | Driver | Team | Time |\n|:---:|:-------|:-----|:----:|\n| 1 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:45.990 |\n| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | +0.139s |\n| 3 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | +0.148s |\n| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | +0.367s |\n| 5 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | +0.392s |\n| 6 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | +0.760s |\n| 7 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | +0.795s |\n| 8 | Nico Hulkenberg | Audi | +0.934s |\n| 9 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Audi | +1.059s |\n| 10 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | +1.106s |

Will Lewis Hamilton be able to participate in qualifying?\nA: Ferrari has confirmed they are working to repair the car and expect to have it ready in time for qualifying at 15:00 BST. The damage is primarily to the right-rear of the SF-26.\n\nQ: What grid penalties are in effect for the Belgian GP?\nA: Lando Norris (McLaren) faces a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his engine component allocation. Isack Hadjar (Red Bull) will start from the back of the grid due to multiple power unit changes.\n\nQ: How does Antonelli's championship lead look?\nA: Antonelli leads teammate George Russell by 25 points heading into the 10th round. His consistent pace at Spa — topping both FP2 and FP3 — signals strong form for the title fight.\n\nQ: What caused Hamilton's crash?**\nA: The seven-time champion lost the rear of his Ferrari at Turn 13 (Fagnes complex), an incident nearly identical to Pierre Gasly's FP2 crash. Drivers have noted changing wind conditions affecting car balance at that corner.

Do you think Ferrari can get Hamilton's car ready in time for qualifying? Will Antonelli claim his first pole position of the season? Let us know your thoughts!\n\n*Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!*\n\nShare on Twitter/X • Share on LinkedIn • Share on Reddit