Mercedes equalled its worst-ever result in 350 Formula 1 qualifying sessions ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix sprint race, which George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli will start from 13th and 20th.

Max Verstappen – who won the first Formula One race staged following Christian Horner’s dismissal as Red Bull team principal in Saturday’s 15-lap dash – was fourth, one position clear of Williams’ Alex Albon, with George Russell sixth for Mercedes.

Williams' Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have agreed that the FW47 has become faster with new upgrades, but is also

Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz called out Adami’s attitude. He claimed that Hamilton’s former engineer at Mercedes, Peter Bonnington, would have handled the situation better.

Mercedes is yet to name its 2026 F1 drivers. With interest from Red Bull's Max Verstappen, Luke Smith argues he should join George Russell

The sprint race returns to F1 on Saturday, July 26 at the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix, but neither of this season's sprint polesitters will be starting anywhere near the front of the pack. Lewis Hamilton was absent from the fight for pole position on Friday, after he made a shock SQ1 exit at Spa alongside his Mercedes successor Kimi Antonelli.

George Russell has addressed the topic of a potential contract extension with Mercedes ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.