Lewis Hamilton has taken full responsibility for his underwhelming performance at the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, pointing to a crash during the final practice session as the key factor behind his setbacks. The incident damaged the rear of his Ferrari SF-26 and disrupted the car’s balance, which Hamilton said affected his qualifying pace and race position.
During the last moments of the final practice session (FP3), Hamilton lost control at Turn 13, clipping the barrier with the rear-right wheel of his car. Although Ferrari mechanics worked to repair the damage, Hamilton felt the car’s compromised balance cost him valuable time in qualifying. Starting further back on the grid, he was involved in a collision with George Russell at the race start, for which he received a five-second penalty. Hamilton described the penalty as harsh but accepted it as part of the consequences stemming from his earlier crash.
In addition to these challenges, Hamilton also hit a Ferrari mechanic in the pit lane, which prevented a front wing adjustment. This incident further affected his performance, particularly during the stint on hard tyres. Despite these difficulties, Hamilton praised Ferrari’s strategic approach and the improvements made to the car, expressing belief that the SF-26 had the pace to contend for victory if not for the earlier damage.
Hamilton’s reflections underline how a series of events, starting with the FP3 crash, contributed to his fourth-place finish at Spa-Francorchamps. He acknowledged that the initial mistake set off a chain reaction that affected his entire race weekend. The driver’s acceptance of responsibility highlights his focus on learning from the experience and improving in future races.
George Russell, involved in the collision at the start, was also a key figure in the unfolding of the race incidents, but Hamilton’s comments primarily centered on his own errors and their impact on his performance. The penalty he received was a direct result of the compromised starting position caused by the crash, illustrating how one incident can influence multiple aspects of a race weekend.
Despite the setbacks, Hamilton’s assessment of Ferrari’s progress remains positive. He noted the team’s strategic decisions and car improvements as encouraging signs, suggesting that without the damage sustained, the SF-26 could have been a genuine contender for the win. His outlook reflects a pragmatic approach to the challenges faced during the Belgian Grand Prix.
Hamilton’s commitment to taking responsibility and his determination to bounce back provide insight into his mindset as the season continues. The Belgian Grand Prix experience serves as a reminder of how fine margins and unforeseen incidents can shape race outcomes in Formula 1®. Hamilton’s focus now turns to delivering stronger performances in the races ahead.
