For Hamilton, who joined Ferrari in 2025 aiming to fight for wins and titles, the result was a bitter setback. Ferrari’s early elimination in SQ1 added to the unwanted record books, especially as the team had never before been knocked out in the first segment of a Sprint Qualifying session.

Ferrari has revealed its long awaited rear suspension upgrade at F1's Belgian Grand Prix, but Lewis Hamilton is not expecting an immediate boost

Hamilton suffered a huge blow during sprint qualifying, spinning at the final corner of his flying lap to confirm an exit from SQ1, meaning he will start Saturday's sprint race at Spa down in 18th position.