Shocker for Hamilton in Belgium: Lewis out after big spin

In an unexpected turn of events at the Belgian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in SQ1, sending shockwaves through the paddock and disappointing the sea of red-clad tifosi at Spa-Francorchamps. The seven-time World Champion will line up only 16th for the Sprint, after a dramatic mistake at the Bus Stop chicane cost him a crucial final lap.

This result was all the more surprising given the high expectations surrounding Ferrari’s latest upgrade package. The Scuderia had introduced a new rear suspension aimed at improving mechanical grip and tyre management—two key areas that had previously limited their performance on high-degradation circuits. Early simulations and internal data had painted a promising picture, with hopes that Spa could mark a turning point in their 2025 campaign.

However, Hamilton’s early exit raises new questions. While teammate Charles Leclerc managed to progress to the next stage, the car's overall performance seemed far from dominant. Was Hamilton's mistake purely driver-related, or is the much-anticipated upgrade package failing to deliver?

Ferrari had been bullish coming into the weekend, with engineers optimistic about closing the gap to Red Bull and McLaren. But Friday’s result casts doubt on whether the upgrades are working as intended, or if further development will be needed to truly unlock their potential.

With changeable weather conditions expected over the rest of the weekend, Ferrari will be under pressure to prove that this Spa SQ1 was just a blip—not a reality check.

For now, one thing is certain: Lewis Hamilton’s SQ1 exit has added another unexpected twist to an already unpredictable 2025 season.