Belgian GP: Merc star Antonelli takes pole ahead of Verstappen

Mercedes` Italian driver Kimi Antonelli reacts after winning the pole position during the qualifying session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, in Spa, ahead of the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix. Pic/AFP

Mercedes's Kimi Antonelli beat Red Bull's Max Verstappen to take pole position in qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix on Saturday.

Max Verstappen had set the fastest time after smart coordination with Red Bull teammate Isack Hadjar to give him the strongest possible slipstream on his lap.

However, Antonelli then found a new level of pace on his lap to beat the four-time world champion by 0.317 seconds and dedicated the pole position as a birthday present to his father.

McLaren's Lando Norris qualified third-fastest but a grid penalty means he drops 10 places. Antonelli's teammate George Russell is set to move up to third on the grid.

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