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.
How do you think the Grand Prix will pan out? You can get involved and predict the top three finishers in Belgium using our predictor below. Get voting now!
Next Up
Related Articles
F1, the FIA and 11 teams sign 2026 Concorde Agreement
Brown insists McLaren ‘won’t change the way we race’
Vasseur says he misjudged impact of switching focus to 2026
Marko ‘believed in me when others didn’t’ – Lindblad
3 inspiring individuals share their paths to working in F1
Power RankingsWho did our judges rank as the best F1 driver of 2025?
