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Key Drivers Face Challenges Ahead of Belgian Grand Prix
Several top Formula 1 drivers have made significant changes to their cars ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, leading to pitlane starts for some. Lewis Hamilton, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, and Fernando Alonso have all installed new power unit components on their vehicles. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz has opted for car set-up adjustments, which also resulted in a pitlane start for the race.
The initial impact of these changes was evident during qualifying. The first three drivers mentioned were eliminated in Q1, forcing them to start from the back of the grid. This situation highlights the challenges they face as the season progresses, particularly with the remaining half of the 2025 season still to come.
Hamilton, who drives for Ferrari, experienced an early exit due to a minor track-limits violation on the Raidillon straight. His best time was erased, pushing him down to 16th place. This result was disappointing, especially considering the team’s efforts and preparation.
Antonelli, driving for Mercedes, also struggled during the weekend, finishing 18th. He continues to face confidence issues, which could affect his performance throughout the season. Alonso, on the other hand, managed to qualify just ahead of his Aston Martin teammate Lance Stroll, securing 19th place.
All three drivers are currently on the edge of receiving engine-related grid penalties. By adding fresh power unit components, they aim to mitigate any potential consequences while maximizing their chances in the upcoming race. Each of them will receive a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, and electric MGU-H and MGU-K units for Sunday’s race. Only four of these components are allowed per season, making these upgrades significant.
In addition to these changes, Hamilton also refreshed the remaining power unit components on his Ferrari, including the battery and control electronics, as well as taking a new exhaust. These modifications are expected to provide a boost in performance for the race.
Later in the day, the FIA confirmed that Williams driver Sainz would also start from the pitlane after making set-up changes to his car under parc ferme conditions. Despite qualifying 15th, these adjustments meant he would not be on the starting grid. As a result, only 16 drivers will compete in the race, which is set to take place under mixed weather conditions following heavy showers on Sunday morning.
Hamilton expressed his disagreement with the stewards’ decision regarding his track-limits offense but acknowledged his responsibility for another Q1 exit this weekend. He had spun out of sprint qualifying at the chicane, which contributed to his early elimination.
“I don’t agree, no. But I’m out,” he said. “That’s my mistake, so I’m just really sorry to the team for all the hard work, all the testing, the filming day that we did, and all the preparation. And then you come here and you don’t even make it through Q1, which is unacceptable. I’m really sorry. There’s always opportunities in the race, so we’ll see what I can do from there.”
These developments underscore the competitive nature of Formula 1 and the importance of strategic decisions in both qualifying and race settings. As the season continues, the performance of these drivers will be closely watched, especially given the recent changes to their cars and the challenging conditions expected for the Belgian Grand Prix.
