Lewis Hamilton heads big-name casualty list with shock early Belgian sprint qualifying exit

Lewis Hamilton was one of three surprise eliminees in the first segment of Belgian Grand Prix Sprint qualifying following a spin at Spa. 

Already in danger after a mistake on his first flying lap left him in the drop-zone after a moment of oversteer at Turn 14, Hamilton was on course to safely advance to SQ2. 

However, after setting a personal best through Sector 2, and left with only the final braking zone for the Bus Stop chicane, he spun out. 

It appeared the car suffered rear-locking, which meant the Briton was left in 18th place, 0.238s away from safety. It is the first time a Ferrari has been eliminated in SQ1 since Sprint qualifying was adopted in 2023.

Elsewhere, Hamilton was joined by Alex Albon, British GP podium-sitter Nico Hulkenberg, Franco Colapinto and Kimi Antonelli in being eliminated.

Antonelli also suffered a big off at Turn 14, but after going slowest by nearly two seconds, received an apology from engineer Peter Bonnington for something Mercedes had done to the floor. 

Hamilton and Antonelli had taken the two previous Sprint poles in 2025, in China and Miami, respectively.