Charles Leclerc and Kimi Antonelli after the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix. Photo: DPPI
As at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc found herself in control of a Grand Prix that few predicted she would win. Staying on track longer than the competition, the Classic Ferrari for sale No. 16 took advantage of a Virtual Safety Car period on lap 20 to make a less costly pit stop and emerge in the lead ahead of the Mercedes Benz by Kimi Antonelli. We got the VSC at the right time. “, the Monegasque readily admitted upon arrival.
From there, Leclerc held his own against the championship leader for a good part of the final stint. Despite a car Less quick on the straights and experiencing recurring difficulties shifting from first to second gear exiting the La Source hairpin, Leclerc managed to maintain his lead for a long time. Antonelli finally upped the pace to pull away definitively and claim his sixth victory of the season. I believed in victory until the very end. Leclerc confided.There were moments when we were strong, when we were able to fight. »
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Although the Ferrari driver had to concede defeat, he leaves Spa-Francorchamps with reasons for encouragement, while also highlighting the current limitations of his car. I was lacking a bit of front-end grip. I felt better with the car, but there’s still work to be done. »
This is a project that the Scuderia will have to complete quickly: the next meeting is scheduled for next weekend, from July 24 to 26, in Hungary.
