Lewis Hamilton will start the 2025 Belgian Grand Prix from 16th place on the grid after his fastest lap in the first qualifying session was deleted for exceeding track limits at Turn 4.
This early exit adds to a difficult weekend for the seven-time world champion, who also faced a similar setback during the sprint qualifying session.
The cancellation of Hamilton’s lap reflects ongoing challenges with both car setup and track rule compliance at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, known for its fast corners and strict enforcement of racing boundaries.
The track’s layout continues to test the limits of drivers, and Hamilton’s difficulties are not isolated—several drivers have faced similar penalties this season.
This marks the second time in one weekend that Hamilton has failed to progress beyond the early stages of qualifying, raising questions about whether his team can quickly address performance and consistency issues.
Starting from 16th on the grid, Hamilton faces a tough task in the 44-lap Grand Prix as he attempts to climb back into the points. His qualifying troubles add another layer of unpredictability to the Belgian GP, a race often influenced by variable weather and the technical nature of the track.
Fans and analysts will be closely watching to see how Hamilton and his team respond on race day, especially with championship standings and team morale on the line.