During the Spa-Francorchamps Sprint Qualifying, Lewis Hamilton experienced an unusual rear-wheel lockup that caused him to spin off at the Bus Stop chicane, ending his final lap abruptly. This incident has drawn attention to possible mechanical issues with the Ferrari SF-25, especially amid the team‘s efforts to test a new suspension upgrade this weekend.
Although Ferrari’s upgrade failed to deliver significant improvements in the free practice sessions, Hamilton’s unexpected lockup during Sprint Qualifying raised concerns beyond a simple driver error. Analyst Anthony Davidson, reviewing the incident for Sky Sports, noted strange noises coming from the rear of Hamilton’s car that suggested a technical fault rather than a mistake behind the wheel.
“You hear that clunking, that’s backlash in the gearbox. So I don’t blame the driver for that moment, something’s going on there in the downshift phase of that Ferrari. So I give Lewis Benefit the doubt with that one at least anyway,” Lewis Hamilton said.
This suggests that Ferrari needs to thoroughly inspect Hamilton’s vehicle to avoid further complications during the upcoming race. Meanwhile, his teammate Charles Leclerc did not report any such issues and is preparing to start the Sprint in fourth position.
Hamilton reflects on a frustrating and rare rear lockup incident
Ferrari had hoped for a stronger showing at Spa, but Hamilton’s poor qualifying result placed him in 18th, making it unlikely for him to reach the top eight points-paying positions in the Sprint race. Speaking after his disappointing session, Hamilton acknowledged the rarity of the problem, admitting it was the first time he locked up the rear tires in his Formula 1 career.
“I spun, I spun,” Lewis Hamilton said.
In response to questions about the wheel lockup, he further confirmed the unusual nature of the incident.
“Mhhm. First time I think in my career. Not great, not great..not really a lot to say.”
Despite this setback, Hamilton has a chance to improve his starting position during the main qualifying session tomorrow. However, given the car’s struggles throughout the weekend, expectations for a significant recovery remain low.
Ferrari’s performance challenges amid ongoing upgrades and championship pressures
Hamilton admitted that even with the upgrade tested at Mugello, the car’s performance felt underwhelming, though he remained hopeful that progress could be made over the course of the season. Ferrari currently holds second place in the Constructors’ Championship but faces intense pressure to maintain that standing against rivals Mercedes.
As Spa is a critical weekend for development, the unusual rear-wheel lockup incident serves as a warning sign for Ferrari, indicating deeper issues that may need urgent attention before the Belgian Grand Prix. The team’s ability to address these concerns will heavily influence their competitiveness in the remaining races of the season.
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