The Formula 1 qualifying session ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix was marked by tyre strategy, especially for Q3.
All teams opted for a wet setup ahead of Sunday’s race, where rain is almost certain. Moreover, Yuki Tsunoda and Max Verstappen had the same floor, securing Q3 for both Red Bull Racing drivers for the first time in a long time.
The Haas team stood out, opting for a low downforce setup for Ocon and a high downforce setup for Bearman.
There were also many investigations into unsafe releases in the pit lane, but no penalties were given – so far.

Q1 – Hamilton and Antonelli keep struggling

A very complicated qualifying session for Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who, given what happened yesterday in qualifying for today’s sprint, needed to get into at least Q2, but failed to do so. It was a disastrous session for Aston Martin as well, with both drivers finishing in the last two positions.
Lewis Hamilton‘s struggles continue, with his time being cancelled due to track limits, making him the first to be eliminated from Q1. Hamilton had not been eliminated from Q1 since Abu Dhabi 2023. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, set the sixth fastest time and advanced to Q2.

16. Lewis Hamilton
17. Franco Colapinto
18. Andrea Kimi Antonelli
19. Fernando Alonso
20. Lance Stroll

Q2 – The central sector does it all

In the opening minutes of the session, Verstappen set the fastest time in the middle sector, completing the lap in 1:40.951. It was right in the middle sector that you could see the difference between a great lap and all the others.
Bearman managed to save his car halfway through the session, narrowly avoiding an accident at one of the most dangerous points on the track.
Only the two McLarens were on the track with used tyres on their second outing shortly before the end of the session for their final attempt.
A beautiful lap for Gabriel Bortoleto eliminated his teammate, Nico Hülkenberg.
George Russell did another lap out of caution and secured sixth place.
Carlos Sainz did not improve, finishing in 15th position. His teammate, Alexander Albon was able to enter Q3 by 0.899.
Both Haas were eliminated at the end of Q2. Bearman, in particular, struggled in the first sector, and this affected the rest of his lap.

11. Esteban Ocon
12. Oliver Bearman
13. Pierre Gasly
14. Nico Hulkenberg
15. Carlos Sainz

Q3 – Norris takes pole and Leclerc dreams of a podium

Leclerc completed the first lap on used tires, in order to have at least one set of fresh tires for a second try. His strategy worked, as he secured a strong third position in front of Verstappen.
The Dutch driver complained about a complete lack of grip and had to settle for fourth place on the starting grid.
Everyone except Lando Norris found the track slower than in the Q2 session. In fact, the Briton secures pole position for McLaren after 13 year in Spa. On the other hand, Oscar Piastri takes second.

1. Lando Norris
2. Oscar Piastri
3. Charles Leclerc
4. Max Verstappen
5. Alexander Albon
6. George Russell
7. Yuki Tsunoda
8. Isack Hadjar
9. Liam Lawson
10. Gabriel Bortoleto