Kimi Antonelli showed relief and satisfaction on Sunday after taking full advantage of Mercedes team-mate George Russell’s misfortunes to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship with a calm win in the Belgian Grand Prix. His victory ended a three-race winless streak and lifted the Italian 50 points clear of the luckless Russell, who slipped to third in the title race after colliding with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on the opening lap.
“It feels very nice to be back on the top step after a few difficult races,” said the 19-year-old Antonelli. “It was a hard-fought race. We lost first place with the virtual safety car and then we managed to make our way back – and it was a tough win because Charles was quick and we had to hold on to that. “I think the momentum was always there, so it was just about getting the result.” Hamilton survived his clash with Russell to finish fourth on track behind second-placed Ferrari team-mate Charles Leclerc and four-time champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. The Briton climbed to second in the championship, 45 behind Antonelli.