---
title: "Antonelli in Spa: Mercedes triumph and Hamilton drama against the backdrop of the fight with Ferrari"
description: "Kimi Antonelli won the Belgian Grand Prix, strengthening his lead in the championship! 🇮🇹🏆 Hamilton overtook Russell in the standings after a pit incident, and Leclerc received the title of \"Driver of the Day.\" 🏎️ Hungary is next! 🇭🇺"
date: 2026-07-19T14:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/antonelli-in-spa-mercedes-triumph-and-hamilton-drama
tags: [kimi-antonelli, lewis-hamilton, charles-leclerc, ferrari, mercedes]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Antonelli in Spa: Mercedes triumph and Hamilton drama against the backdrop of the fight with Ferrari

![Formula 1: Antonelli on Mercedes car in Spa, Ferrari in the background](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/19/antonelli-v-spa-triumf-mercedesa-i-drama-hemiltona/antonelli-v-spa-triumf-mercedesa-i-drama-hemiltona-1.webp)

The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps gave spectators a race full of drama, unexpected twists, and bright emotions. Despite a difficult weekend, the Ferrari team demonstrated excellent speed, but the Italians failed to overcome the Italian junior of the "Silver Arrows," Kimi Antonelli. The stage winner was the Mercedes driver, proving that his recent retirement did not undermine his confidence.

### Dramatic start and incidents in the pits

The race plot began to take shape as early as the first lap. The main disappointment for Mercedes fans was the collision between the team leaders: George Russell and Lewis Hamilton collided, which led to Russell's retirement from the race. The British driver failed to score a single point, which significantly affected his position in the championship.

For Lewis Hamilton, the day also did not go well. The driver received a 5-second penalty for an incident during the pit stop when he hit one of the mechanics. Marshals will review this case after the race, and Hamilton risks losing another position in the final standings.

### Triumph of Kimi Antonelli

The main hero of the day was Kimi Antonelli. The Italian Mercedes driver showed that his retirement at the previous stage did not affect his coolness and concentration. Despite losing the lead at the start of the race, Antonelli managed to return to the top of the podium and hold it until the very finish, giving up first place to no one.

### Successes of Ferrari and McLaren

The Ferrari team also noted successful moments. Charles Leclerc had an excellent race, for which he received the title of "Driver of the Day." His team managed to catch up with the leader in the Constructors' Cup thanks to a double finish of the pilots in the top-5.

Lando Norris from McLaren did not stay on the sidelines either. Despite a serious penalty due to the replacement of power unit elements, which pushed him back 10 positions at the start, the Briton demonstrated mastery and managed to finish in the top-10, taking seventh place.

### Changes in the championship

The results in Spa led to significant shifts in the standings. In the Drivers' Cup, Lewis Hamilton (159 points) overtook his teammate George Russell (154 points), who was left without points due to retirement. Kimi Antonelli's leadership has only strengthened: he now has 204 points to his credit and is confidently increasing the gap from competitors.

In the Constructors' Cup, Mercedes retains the lead with 358 points. Ferrari takes second place with 285 points, reducing the gap. McLaren is in third place with 195 points.

### What's next?

Formula 1 does not stop. The next stage in the calendar will be the Hungarian Grand Prix. The race weekend at the Hungaroring circuit will take place in just a week — from July 24 to 26. The teams will have to prepare for a new fight, where the situation may change again.