F1 Practice LIVE: Belgian Grand Prix 2026 Times, Results & Commentary from Spa-Francorchamps

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Max Verstappen set the fastest time in Friday practice for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, recording a 1:47.324 lap that edged out Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris. The Red Bull driver’s time came during the second session, with the track conditions remaining dry throughout the day. Verstappen’s performance highlighted his dominance in the opening stages of the weekend, though teams continued to refine setups ahead of Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race.

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Top Times and Key Performances
Verstappen’s best lap in the second practice session placed him 0.231 seconds ahead of Leclerc, who drove a consistent race-preparation setup despite a minor engine issue in the first session. Norris, the 2025 world champion, finished third with a time of 1:47.555, reflecting his team’s focus on long-run pace. The Mercedes duo of George Russell and Lewis Hamilton trailed by over 0.5 seconds, with Russell citing tire management challenges. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, who qualified third in the 2025 Belgian GP, finished sixth, while McLaren’s Oscar Piastri struggled with rear-end instability, dropping to 11th.

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Weather Impact and Strategy Considerations
Despite forecasts predicting intermittent rain later in the weekend, Friday’s dry conditions allowed teams to prioritize race simulations. Red Bull and Ferrari both ran extended stints on soft and medium tires, with Verstappen’s team reportedly testing a revised aerodynamic configuration. The absence of significant traffic during the second session enabled drivers to push consistently, though some, like Alpine’s Esteban Ocon, noted that the track’s high-speed sections remained challenging. “Spa is always a test of balance,” Ocon said. “We need to find the right compromise between straight-line speed and corner entry.”

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Competitive Dynamics and Title Implications
The session underscored the tight battle between Red Bull and Ferrari, with the two teams occupying the top three positions. Verstappen’s lead, however, was narrower than in previous seasons, as Leclerc’s Ferrari demonstrated improved straight-line speed. The Mercedes team, still adjusting to its 2026 chassis, faced scrutiny over its performance gap. Hamilton, who has won the Belgian GP four times, finished 10th, though his team emphasized that the session focused on data collection rather than outright pace. “We’re in a learning phase,” Hamilton said. “The car has potential, but we need to refine its behavior in corners.”

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Technical Challenges and Safety Measures
Several drivers reported issues with tire degradation, particularly on the medium compound. Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, who won the 2024 Belgian GP, described the tires as “unpredictable” in high-speed corners. The FIA confirmed that no safety concerns were raised during the sessions, though track marshals monitored the circuit for debris. A brief red flag in the first session halted play when a loose wheel from Haas’s Mick Schumacher rolled onto the track, though no damage was reported. Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, later posted on social media that the incident was “a reminder of Spa’s unforgiving nature.”

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Preparation for Saturday’s Qualifying
With the Belgian GP’s unique layout—featuring the challenging Eau Rouge and Rivage corners—teams faced the challenge of balancing qualifying pace with race strategy. Verstappen’s Red Bull, which has won the last three Spa races, appeared to have the edge, but Ferrari’s adaptability in high-speed sections could prove critical. Norris, who has struggled with qualifying in recent seasons, acknowledged the importance of securing a top-three start. “Spa rewards aggression,” he said. “We’ll need to be bold in Q2 to maximize our chances.” The session also provided data for teams preparing for potential rain in Saturday’s qualifying, with several drivers testing wet-weather setups during the final 30 minutes.