Hamilton apologises to Ferrari after “unacceptable” Q1 exit at F1 Belgian GP

Lewis Hamilton issued an apology to Ferrari after his second Q1 exit in two days means he will start the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix from 16th on the grid.

The British driver initially looked to be safely into the top 15 as Q1 came to an end, having made a late improvement to seventh spot.

But a track-limits infringement meant his lap time was deleted, putting him into the elimination zone.

When questioned about his early exit by Autosport, Hamilton confirmed that he will be discussing the infringement with the stewards and disagreed with their decision, adding that “everyone takes that kerb”.

The Ferrari driver confirmed that the team had made changes to the SF-25 ahead of qualifying, which he said “didn’t feel terrible”, but he still did not feel particularly comfortable in the car.

“And then from my side, another mistake,” he explained to Sky Sports F1. “So I really got to look internal. I got to apologise to my team because it’s just unacceptable to be out in both Q1s. It’s a very, very poor performance for myself.”

The seven-time champion faced a similar fate in sprint qualifying on Friday after a spin at the penultimate corner left him down in 18th on the grid.

“I don’t think there’s really much we can do,” Hamilton said when asked if making changes to the car would be worthwhile and starting from the pitlane for the race. “So I just try and start from where I am and see where I can get from there.”

He added about the season so far as a whole: “I mean, we’re trying to do the best with what we have. And then obviously everyone’s working flat out back in the factory. We have had upgrades, but I think that’s probably it for the rest of the year.
 
“And then I think the focus is now, back at the factory at least, is to focus on next year’s car. This season has been a tricky one.”