Lewis Hamilton reveals F1 career first as latest Ferrari misery strikes at Spa

Lewis Hamilton has revealed his session-ending issue during sprint qualifying at Spa-Francorchamps was a career first for him.

Hamilton suffered an early exit during the session after spinning at the penultimate corner on his final SQ1 attempt.

The seven-time champion ended the session in 18th place, marking a disastrous outing for the Ferrari driver during a weekend in which he is running a new rear suspension.

When quizzed over what happened at the last chicane, Hamilton said: “I spun.”

Hamilton was then asked if it was rear locking, to which he nodded: “Mmhmm.“The first time, I think, in my career.”

Hamilton offered little insight into the car's feeling with the rear suspension upgrade in play.

“Not great, not great,” he said in response to being asked how the car felt on the track. “There's not really a lot to say.”

Hamilton then shook his head when queried if the car had become more drivable.

Having endured a difficult opening day of on-track action at Spa, Hamilton is hopeful he can turn around his fortunes during qualifying on Saturday.

“Tomorrow is a new day. I'm massively frustrated. 

“A lot of work has gone in, and to be there is not really great. Hopefully, tomorrow will be better.”

Hamilton's early exit on Friday marked the first time this year he has failed to advance out of the opening qualifying segment with Ferrari.