# Antonelli Faces Tough Start in Belgian Grand Prix

- Topic: football
- Source: Sky Sports
- Published: 2026-07-18
- Original: https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13564593/belgian-gp-kimi-antonelli-expects-not-straightforward-max-verstappen-challenge-in-spa-francorchamps-race-start-duel
- Language: en
- Image: https://e0.365dm.com/26/07/1920x1080/skysports-kimi-antonelli-max-verstappen_7300939.jpg?20260718184104

Kimi Antonelli secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, but faces a challenging start alongside Max Verstappen. The Mercedes driver knows that leading the pack can be a disadvantage at Spa-Francorchamps, where overtaking is possible. Antonelli will need to navigate the first lap carefully to maintain his position.

## Key takeaways

- Antonelli faces a tough start alongside Max Verstappen in the Belgian Grand Prix.
- Leading the pack can be a disadvantage at Spa-Francorchamps, where overtaking is possible.
- Antonelli will need to navigate the first lap carefully to maintain his position.

> Summary by Daily Read Bytes. Read the original at https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12040/13564593/belgian-gp-kimi-antonelli-expects-not-straightforward-max-verstappen-challenge-in-spa-francorchamps-race-start-duel