Hamilton challenges the Stewards' ruling after heartbreak elimination

17:53, 26 Jul

byNorberto Mujica

Lewis Hamilton was eliminated early on in the qualifying session after his second push lap was deleted for exceeding track limits, something which the British champion disagrees with.

At Radillion Hamilton's hopes for a better qualifying session went in the bin, regarding the painful outcome of yet another early elimination in the second qualifying this weekend Hamilton spoke to GPblog and other media present at the track.

"Yeah, it is what it is," he said. Ferrari had done a filming day at Mugello to best prepare the introduction of the upgrades ahead of the race weekend in Spa, and all that hard work, Hamilton sees, has counted for nothing with his P16 for Sunday's race.

"I'm just really sorry to the team. All the hard work, all the testing, the filming day that we did and all the preparation and then you come here and you don't make it through Q1. It's just unacceptable from me. So, yeah, 'm really sorry."

Hamilton disagrees with the Stewards and expects a tough race

The Briton's words seemed to suggest he was taking responsibility for his Q1 elimination. When questioned if he agreed that all four wheels had gone over the track limits he vehemently defended his case.

"I don't agree, no. But I'm out, so...", said Hamilton dejectedly. That was the line the 7-time world champion had been running through Radillion and Eau Rouge. "Pretty much, yeah. I wouldn't say all weekend, [but] everyone takes that kerb. It's probably the furthest, [I've gone this weekend.]"

For Hamilton the matter is not yet closed. When prompted with the question if whether or not he would take it up with the Stewards he replied with a cut and dry "Yes."

After admitting struggles with his car, Hamilton then predicted how tomorrow's Grand Prix would go. "Yeah, it's going to be hard from where I am, for sure," concluded Hamilton.