While Max Verstappen was fastest in qualifying, it is Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who will start Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix from pole position. Instead, the Red Bull man faces a fightback from 11th thanks to his 10-place grid penalty for taking on a fifth ICE of the year.
However, on today's evidence can the reigning world champion be in contention for a podium finish or even a win? The Dutchman has never won from P11 on the grid in his career – but he has won from a record-equalling nine different grid positions. If anyone can do it, he can.
Sergio Perez will also fancy his chances for victory in Spa, with a bounce back in form seeing him start alongside Leclerc on the front of the grid, while the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will hope to capitalise after their one-two in Hungary – they will be starting fourth and fifth respectively.
Don't rule out the Mercedes duo of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell either, lining up in third and sixth on Sunday, while Sainz will hope to join his team mate Leclerc in figthing at the front.
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