MOTOR RACING: F1 leader Antonelli needs a win after recent blows

SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium — Mercedes driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli heads into this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix looking to strengthen his Formula One championship lead after failing to score in two of the last three races, while Ferrari arrives with growing confidence following a strong run of results.

The 19-year-old Italian failed to score at Spa-Francorchamps last year despite setting the race's fastest lap. Mercedes expects to be more competitive this season, provided the team avoids the reliability issues that have affected recent races.

Antonelli's championship advantage has narrowed significantly. After leading Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton by 66 points following the Monaco Grand Prix in June, he now holds a 25-point lead over teammate George Russell, whose campaign has also been hindered by mechanical problems.

Ferrari, meanwhile, has emerged as a serious contender after victories by Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. The team is seeking its third win in the last four races.

Hamilton, a five-time Belgian Grand Prix winner, will attempt to equal Michael Schumacher's record of six victories at Spa-Francorchamps. Ferrari's strong form, combined with the challenge from Red Bull's Max Verstappen and McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, is expected to make the race highly competitive.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff acknowledged the team's recent setbacks and emphasized the need to improve reliability.

"The last few races have underlined both where our strengths are and where we need to improve," Wolff said. "Reliability issues have cost us points, and in a championship this competitive, that is something we cannot afford."

Spa-Francorchamps is known for its long straights, high-speed corners, and unpredictable weather. Although energy management remains a challenge, the circuit is expected to provide plenty of overtaking opportunities.

Verstappen, who has enjoyed success at Spa, said energy management could make the race more difficult but remains optimistic about Red Bull's chances.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur described the Belgian Grand Prix as one of the most demanding races of the season because of the circuit's layout and rapidly changing weather conditions in the Ardennes region.

McLaren returns to Spa after Oscar Piastri's victory at the circuit last year and will evaluate a new rear wing during Friday's practice sessions. Technical director Neil Houldey said the update is expected to improve performance, although the team is not anticipating a dramatic change after a difficult British Grand Prix.

McLaren will also introduce the latest Mercedes engine specification already used by the factory Mercedes team, while Williams and Alpine are expected to run the updated power unit this weekend. -Reporting by Alan Baldwin;Editing by Alison Williams/Reuters