The starting grid for the Belgian Grand Prix will be determined this Saturday during the qualifying sessions held on the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Here are the times to remember.
Read more Lewis Hamilton identifies Ferrari’s weak point before qualifying at Spa
After a first day of free practice full of insights, the Formula 1 drivers return to the track this Saturday for one of the most anticipated moments of the weekend: the qualifying for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix.
On the spectacular Spa-Francorchamps layout, the twenty-two drivers will try to secure the best possible position on the starting grid. With its long straights, fast sectors, and always unpredictable weather in the Ardennes, the Belgian circuit regularly offers particularly competitive qualifying sessions.
The gaps observed on Friday also suggest a very close battle between Mercedes, McLaren, Red Bull, and Ferrari.
What time does qualifying start?
The qualifying session is scheduled for this Saturday, July 18 at 4:00 PM (local time, Belgium and France).
As per the traditional Formula 1 format, qualifying will take place in three parts (Q1, Q2, and Q3), at the end of which the fastest driver will claim pole position for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
Friday’s session gave a first glimpse of the strengths present, but teams remain cautious. Kimi Antonelli dominated FP2 ahead of Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, while Lewis Hamilton also showed competitiveness.
Read more Max Verstappen announces a tightening of the hierarchy after a promising start at Spa
At Red Bull, Verstappen believes the real gaps will only appear during FP3, held a few hours before qualifying. For his part, Lando Norris also expects the Austrian team to show a higher level on Saturday, as is often the case.
Weather conditions could also play a major role. Spa is known for its very rapid weather changes, capable of disrupting a session in just a few minutes.
Several drivers already penalized
Even though pole position remains a prestigious goal, some drivers already know their grid position will be altered.
Lando Norris will notably serve a ten-place penalty after installing a new engine component. Lance Stroll is also affected by a similar sanction, while Isack Hadjar will start from the back of the grid after several component changes on his power unit.
These penalties could reshuffle the cards and offer new opportunities to both the leading teams and the outsiders.
Read more Lando Norris issues a warning: «Red Bull will be even faster on Saturday»