Hamilton sets new track record in Spa qualifying

Lewis Hamilton will start the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after smashing the track record at Spa in qualifying.

The reigning champion will be alongside teammate Valtteri Bottas on the front row, who was just 0.015s ahead of Red Bull’s Max Verstappen.

Renault converted their strong showing in practice into a good qualifying performance, with Daniel Ricciardo splitting the two Red Bull drivers, and Esteban Ocon completing the top six.

Having struggled for pace in practice, the Ferraris looked to be under pressure in the opening session, but Sebastian Vettel managed to find enough speed to progress, while Charles Leclerc was spared an early elimination when Haas’s Kevin Magnussen ran wide, leaving the Dane at the back of the grid.

It was a short reprieve though, as neither were able to challenge for a spot in Q3, while both Alpha Tauris also missed out on the final part of qualifying, although Daniil Kvyat outqualified teammate Pierre Gasly for the first time this season.

Racing Point and McLaren both ensured their drivers progressed to the top 10 shootout, although Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll both had to use soft tyres to make it through after lacking pace on the mediums.

Provisional qualifying result:

1 Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

2. Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes)

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

4. Daniel Ricciardo (Renault)

5. Alexander Albon (Red Bull)

6. Esteban Ocon (Renault)

7. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)

8. Sergio Perez (Racing Point)

9. Lance Stroll (Racing Point)

10. Lando Norris (McLaren)

11. Daniil Kvyat (AlphaTauri)

12. Pierre Gasly (AlphaTauri)

13. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

14. Sebastian Vettel (Ferrari)

15. George Russell (Williams)

16. Kimi Raikkonen (Alfa Romeo)

17. Romain Grosjean (Haas)

18. Antonio Giovinazzi (Alfa Romeo)

19. Nicholas Latifi (Williams)

20. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)