Kimi Antonelli admitted it felt “great to be back on the top step” after ending his recent dip in form with a hard-fought victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen both reflected on what might have been after settling for the remaining podium places.
The Mercedes star strengthened his grip on the Formula One world championship by claiming his sixth victory in 10 races, recovering brilliantly after a virtual safety car briefly handed Ferrari rival Leclerc the advantage at Spa-Francorchamps.
Antonelli had looked set for a comfortable afternoon before the VSC transformed the race, allowing Leclerc to jump ahead.
But the Italian kept his composure, hunted down the Ferrari driver and reclaimed the lead to secure another statement victory.
The result also came at the perfect time for the 20-year-old after seeing his once-commanding championship lead cut over the previous three races.
Reacting after climbing out of his Mercedes, Antonelli said: “It’s great to be back on the top step after obviously a few difficult rounds.
“It was a hard-fought race. We lost first place with a VSC but then we managed to make our way back.
“It was a tough win because Charles was quick and we had to hold onto them.”
Kimi Antonelli admitted it felt “great to be back on the top step” after ending his recent dip in form with a hard-fought victory at the Belgian Grand Prix, while Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen both reflected on what might have been after settling for the remaining podium places
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Leclerc was forced to settle for second despite believing Ferrari had a genuine chance of taking successive victories after benefiting from the timing of the virtual safety car.
The Monegasque driver admitted fortune had smiled on Ferrari but insisted improvements to the SF-26 left him encouraged heading into the next round.
“I believed in the win until the end,” he said.
“We had a little bit of luck with the VSC at the right time for us but the pace was relatively strong.
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“There were five or six laps on the hard tyres when I was struggling with the front axle, then it came back a little bit.
“I feel better with the car. Still some work to do but surely a step forward.”
Red Bull’s Verstappen rounded out the podium after another typically determined drive, although the reigning world champion also felt the virtual safety car had cost him the chance to challenge further up the order.
Despite that frustration, the Dutchman accepted third place represented a positive outcome for Red Bull.
“I think I’m happy with the result,” Verstappen said.
“I tried everything I could in the race.
“The first stint wasn’t too bad. The second stint probably a little bit more difficult.
Kimi Antonelli finished ahead of Charles Leclerc and Max Verstappen at the Belgian Grand Prix
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“At the same time, I think Kimi and I got a little bit unlucky with the VSC as well.
“I think for us to be on the podium is very good. I gave it everything I had, and I think actually P3 is good.”
Antonelli’s victory was further boosted by the misfortune suffered by Mercedes team-mate George Russell, whose race ended on the opening lap after a collision with Lewis Hamilton.
Russell slipped to third in the championship standings, with Hamilton moving into second after finishing fourth, leaving Antonelli holding a commanding 50-point lead at the top of the drivers’ standings.
