07/19/26 03:40:00
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07/19 03:38 CDT Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli starts on pole for Belgian Grand
Prix, aiming to extend F1 lead
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli starts on pole for Belgian Grand Prix, aiming to
extend F1 lead
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium (AP) --- Kimi Antonelli will need to defend his lead
from pole position at the Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday as he aims to end his
wait for a Formula 1 win and extend his standings lead.
The 19-year-old Italian produced a stunning final lap in qualifying to beat Max
Verstappen to pole on Saturday. He hasn't won a grand prix since Monaco in
early June, a stretch of three races, though he did win the sprint at
Silverstone.
Antonelli's Mercedes teammate George Russell, the standings runner-up, starts
third after a grid penalty for McLaren's Lando Norris, but has been complaining
of a lack of pace from his car.
Pole position is a mixed blessing in Belgium, where a long uphill straight can
allow those behind to snatch the lead on the opening lap.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton start fourth and fifth, respectively, for
Ferrari, while Norris will have to cut through the field from 13th thanks to
his penalty after McLaren replaced an electronic part on his car.
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AP auto racing: https://apnews.com/hub/auto-racing
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