Why Will Hamilton Start the Belgian GP from the Pit Lane?
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Synopsis
In a surprising turn of events, Lewis Hamilton is set to start the Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane after a power unit change. This decision follows a dismal qualifying performance, raising questions about his potential to reclaim glory at Spa. Can the five-time winner overcome this setback and make a remarkable comeback?
Key Takeaways
- Lewis Hamilton will begin the race from the pit lane due to a new power unit.
- His qualifying performance was disappointing, leading to a 16th place start.
- Hamilton aims to improve despite the setback, as he seeks to add to his five victories at Spa.
- Lando Norris starts from pole position, showcasing strong performance.
- The race could be pivotal for Hamilton’s season.
Stavelot (Belgium), July 27 (NationPress) Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton will begin the Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane after installing a new power unit in his vehicle following a disappointing qualifying session on Saturday.
Hamilton, who triumphed in last year’s race with Mercedes, could not progress past the initial qualifying phase and was set to start in 16th place on Sunday after his best lap was invalidated for going beyond track limits.
“An updated grid for the Belgian GP: @LewisHamilton will start from the pit lane with a new power unit,” announced Ferrari on X.
The British driver had a challenging day in Saturday’s sprint race, beginning in 18th due to a spin at the penultimate corner during qualifying and managing only a 15th-place result.
Hamilton, a five-time winner at Spa, is just one victory away from tying Michael Schumacher’s record at the renowned Belgian circuit. He secured last year’s win after his former teammate George Russell was disqualified from first place due to his car being underweight.
“We made some adjustments; the car didn’t feel too bad,” Hamilton told Sky Sports after qualifying. “And then, from my side, another mistake... I must apologize to my team because it’s completely unacceptable to be out in both Q1s (first qualifying for the sprint and main race).”
“This is a very, very poor performance on my part.”
Hamilton noted that starting from the pit lane, which allows mechanics to work on the car before the race, might not change the situation much. “I don’t believe there’s much we can do,” he stated. “So I’ll just try to start from where I am and see what I can achieve from there. I don’t agree, no, but I’m out,” he added.
Lando Norris will commence the Belgian Grand Prix from pole position after clocking the fastest time in qualifying, with the McLaren driver outpacing teammate Oscar Piastri and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc with an impressive lap around Spa-Francorchamps.
After leading in Q1, Norris was surpassed by Piastri in Q2, but he quickly set a benchmark in Q3, securing provisional pole with an effort of 1m 40.562s.
That time remained unmatched as the final laps unfolded, with Piastri finishing in second place, just 0.085s behind the other papaya car. Leclerc, meanwhile, improved to take third ahead of Max Verstappen from Red Bull in fourth.
Point of View
It’s essential to approach the unfolding situation with Hamilton from a perspective of curiosity and analysis. His power unit change and subsequent pit lane start raise significant concerns about his performance and strategy moving forward, making this race a pivotal moment in the championship.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lewis Hamilton starting from the pit lane?
Lewis Hamilton is starting from the pit lane due to a change in his power unit following a poor qualifying performance where he failed to progress past Q1.
What position was Hamilton supposed to start in?
Hamilton was initially scheduled to start in 16th place after his best lap was deleted for exceeding track limits during qualifying.
Who secured pole position for the Belgian GP?
Lando Norris secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix with the fastest time in qualifying.
