Belgium – Qualifications: Charles Leclerc and Ferrari in Demonstration

The qualifications took place in perfect conditions, with bright sunshine and strong summer heat. This contrasts sharply with the rain that had punctuated the qualifications a year ago. After a race against the clock, the mechanics managed to repair the single-seater damaged by Lewis Hamilton during the third practice session. The British driver was able to take part in the session without any issues.

Mercedes even took advantage of a few extra minutes thanks to an early red flag during Q1 when Robert Kubica’s new Mercedes engine went up in smoke at the fast Blanchimont corner. There was a scare with Charles Leclerc’s car, with many mechanics bustling around the front. Ultimately, the Monegasque was able to participate in the session without any issues.

However, the local hero, Max Verstappen, had a close call. During his first out lap, he reported a problem. He then attempted to go for a second lap but ultimately returned to the pits. He went back out at the last moment to climb back to third position. He was very lucky because just after crossing the finish line of his fast lap, Antonio Giovinazzi’s Ferrari engine went up in smoke before Eau Rouge. The session was thus interrupted by a new red flag, this time final. The Italian will therefore not benefit from his promising eighth time.

For his first qualification since his return to Toro Rosso, Pierre Gasly finds himself trapped and eliminated in Q1. The only satisfaction for the young Norman is that he still managed to outpace his new teammate, Daniil Kvyat.

The eliminated from Q1 are: Gasly, Sainz, Kvyat, Russell, and Kubica

As eventful as Q1 was, Q2 did not reveal any major surprises, with the two Ferraris continuing their dominance. However, they received a warning from Lewis Hamilton, who got within two-tenths of Charles Leclerc’s benchmark. The two Ferrari drivers then opted to go out again to improve during their second attempt, pushing Mercedes back beyond the half-second mark.

After an initial distant attempt (14th), Alex Albon decided to step out as he knew he would be starting from the back of the grid due to a pre-planned engine change ahead of the weekend. This meant that only three elimination spots remained.

Even though they knew they were penalized, the two Renault drivers could be pleased with reaching the final phase of qualifying with the French engine’s B specification. The performance is all the more significant since Daniel Ricciardo managed to climb to 5th place!

The unfortunates of Q2 were: Grosjean, Norris, Stroll, Albon, and Giovinazzi

The warm-up lap of the first attempt was extremely crowded, with Nico Hülkenberg, the two Mercedes, and the two Ferraris wheel to wheel in the final part of the circuit. Lewis Hamilton was even forced to lock up his tires to avoid crashing into his teammate.

Charles Leclerc did not seem disturbed as he achieved a magnificent time of 1:42:644, more than six tenths ahead of Lewis Hamilton. The championship leader was thus sandwiched between the two Ferraris because Sebastian Vettel missed the braking at La Source.

During the latest attempt, Charles Leclerc was able to improve his time again, extending his lead to 7 tenths over his teammate. This was the first time both Ferraris monopolized the front row since Bahrain at the beginning of the season.

Renault confirmed its good form with the 6th and 7th fastest times, but both will receive a five-place grid penalty. It is therefore Kimi Räikkönen who will start from 6th place in tomorrow’s race.

From our special correspondent at Spa-Francorchamps