Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari crashes in Belgian GP practice ahead of qualifying

Lewis Hamilton's Belgian Grand Prix preparations took a dramatic turn on July 17, 2026, when his Ferrari crashed during practice at Spa-Francorchamps. The incident has sparked a frantic effort by the Scuderia Ferrari team to repair the car before qualifying, with the championship implications hanging in the balance.

What happened during the crash?

The crash occurred during the second practice session, with Hamilton losing control of his Ferrari on the high-speed Eau Rouge corner. The impact was significant enough to cause visible damage to the car's front wing and suspension. Team principal Frederic Vasseur confirmed the extent of the damage, stating, 'We have a lot of work to do overnight. The front wing and suspension are completely destroyed.'

Why is this a setback for Hamilton?

Hamilton entered the Belgian GP weekend with high hopes after a strong performance in the previous race at Silverstone. The crash not only risks his qualifying position but also adds pressure on the Ferrari mechanics to deliver a flawless repair job. A poor qualifying result could hinder his chances of challenging for the podium, especially with rivals Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in top form.

What comes next for Hamilton and Ferrari?

The team is working around the clock to ensure the car is race-ready for qualifying on July 18, 2026. Hamilton remains optimistic, telling reporters, 'The team knows what they're doing. We'll be ready to fight tomorrow.' If the repairs are successful, Hamilton will aim to secure a strong starting position to keep his championship aspirations alive.