Kimi Antonelli's half-second gain over Max Verstappen in Belgian GP qualifying was a testament to his skill and strategic use of aerodynamic 'tow'. While the raw timing might not seem impressive, Antonelli's performance was a result of meticulous preparation and execution. The Italian driver's success can be attributed to his ability to carry more cornering speed through Raidillon, despite both drivers having the throttle pinned. This allowed him to maintain an advantage even when top speeds converged on the Kemmel Straight.
Antonelli's performance in sector two was particularly noteworthy. He found the better part of half a second, going through in 46.059s, while Verstappen's improvement was more modest. This sector is known to be Red Bull's strong suit, and Antonelli's ability to preserve his advantage despite the electrical deployment of Verstappen's car is a testament to his skill. The 2026 technical regulations have had a significant impact on the sport, with Antonelli feeling that his half-second gain was built on skill and application rather than the exigencies of battery power.
Antonelli's success in qualifying can be attributed to his meticulous preparation and strategic use of aerodynamic 'tow'. He was able to carry more cornering speed through Raidillon, despite both drivers having the throttle pinned. This allowed him to maintain an advantage even when top speeds converged on the Kemmel Straight. The Italian driver's performance was a result of his skill and strategic use of aerodynamic 'tow', which he executed flawlessly in the final phase of the circuit.
