Ferrari fades, Mercedes misses: Hamilton & Antonelli out in Q1

Qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps delivered a major surprise as both Lewis Hamilton and Andrea Kimi Antonelli were knocked out again in Q1, setting up a challenging Belgian Grand Prix for the Mercedes' future and past drivers

Hamilton had initially secured a place in Q2 after setting the seventh-fastest time in the session. However, his lap was later deleted due to a track limits infringement at Turn 9. The penalty dropped him to P16, abruptly ending his qualifying and marking a rare Q1 exit for the seven-time world champion. It’s a significant setback on a weekend where Ferrari had shown solid pace in the dry.

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, meanwhile, replicated his not encouraging performance from Friday’s practice session and Sprint Quali. The Italian rookie struggled to find grip on a track that was still evolving. He ended the session in P18, never quite managing to string together a clean lap as conditions shifted.

The Spa circuit, notorious for its unpredictability and sudden weather changes, once again caught several drivers out — and with a high chance of rain forecast for Sunday’s race, the grid shake-up could make for an explosive Grand Prix.

With both Hamilton and Antonelli starting deep in the field, all eyes will be on their recovery efforts. Spa is a track known for overtaking opportunities and mixed-condition drama — and the two will need to capitalize on both if they want to claw their way back into contention.