A rare rear-wheel locking incident sent Lewis Hamilton spinning during Belgian Grand Prix sprint qualifying, relegating the seven-time champion to 18th on the grid for Saturday's sprint race.
The Ferrari driver experienced what he described as a career first when his rear wheels locked under braking at the final chicane during his second SQ1 attempt.
"I spun," Hamilton said tersely when questioned about the incident.
Asked whether rear-wheel locking caused the spin, he nodded, adding: "The first time, I think, in my career.
PA
|Lewis Hamilton was 'massively frustrated' after a nightmare display at the Belgian Grand Prix sprint
"Obviously I'm massively frustrated. A lot of work has gone in, and to be there is not really great."
Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle characterised the incident as "highly unusual" during the broadcast.
JUST IN: Conor McGregor's pub engulfed in flames as firefighters battle to put it out
"His rear axle broke up under braking - highly unusual," he observed. "I don't think there's anyone more surprised at that than Lewis Hamilton."
Former driver and Sky analyst Anthony Davidson expressed surprise that Hamilton appeared to accept responsibility for the spin.
"It's surprising that he's taken the blame for that," Davidson explained.
"Maybe if he listens back to it again, and by the time he gets back to the data and works it through with the engineers, he might think differently."
Davidson suggested the car played a significant role. "No matter what he says, the car spun him round to a certain degree," he stated.
Ferrari had introduced a much-anticipated rear suspension upgrade at Spa-Francorchamps, yet Hamilton found no improvement in the SF-25's handling characteristics.
READ MORE: Donald Trump pays heartwarming tribute to 'big heart' Hulk Hogan after tragic death at 71
Reuters
|Lewis Hamilton admitted there was 'not a lot to say'
When questioned about whether the new components had enhanced the car's driveability, the 40-year-old shook his head in disappointment.
"Not great. There's not really a lot to say," Hamilton responded when asked about the car's overall performance.
The upgrades represented significant development work from Ferrari, making Hamilton's struggles particularly disappointing.
His difficulties contrasted sharply with team-mate Charles Leclerc's performance, who managed to secure fourth place on the grid for the sprint race.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Looks like Verstappen is the one who caused Hamilton to spin out pic.twitter.com/OyAa3uorkG
— Mahir 🇹🇷🇬🇧 (@ScrewderiaF1) July 25, 2025
Despite the setback, Hamilton maintained optimism for Saturday's sprint race. "Tomorrow's a new day, so we'll try to... hopefully tomorrow will be better," he said.
The incident occurred after Hamilton had already made an error on his initial SQ1 lap, leaving him in the elimination zone. His second attempt appeared promising until the final sector spin ended his session prematurely.
McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured pole position for the sprint, whilst Hamilton's team-mate Charles Leclerc will start from fourth.
The result marks a stark contrast within the Ferrari garage, with Hamilton still searching for his first Grand Prix podium in red following his Chinese Grand Prix Sprint victory earlier this season.