Lewis Hamilton: Ferrari Driver ‘Loved’ Charge Back to Points in Belgian GP After Qualifying Nightmares
It was a Grand Prix weekend that began in frustration but ended with fire. For Lewis Hamilton, the Belgian Grand Prix proved that while setbacks may be unavoidable, giving up is not part of his vocabulary.
After a dismal qualifying session that left him starting outside the top ten, many doubted whether Hamilton could make anything of the rain-soaked chaos at Spa-Francorchamps. But the seven-time world champion, now wearing Ferrari red, wasn’t interested in pity—only redemption.
And redemption is exactly what he delivered.
A Nightmare Start
Saturday’s qualifying session was nothing short of disastrous for Hamilton. Struggling with grip in damp conditions and unable to find a clean lap, he was knocked out in Q2, a far cry from his usual position on the front rows. Frustration was visible in his body language and even more audible on the team radio. “We just didn’t get it right,” Hamilton said afterward, clearly disheartened.
For a team as historically dominant as Ferrari, qualifying outside the points is unacceptable. But for Hamilton—who had come into the season determined to bring Ferrari its first drivers’ championship since 2007—it was a bitter pill to swallow.
Sunday Redemption
Race day, however, brought a fresh opportunity—and Hamilton pounced on it with trademark precision and aggression.
With the skies opening up minutes before lights out, the race began on wet tyres. While others cautiously navigated the slippery conditions, Hamilton went on a rampage. By the end of Lap 5, he had already overtaken four cars, each move a masterclass in bravery and control.
The real turning point came on Lap 13, when Hamilton became the first of the front runners to switch to slick tyres. It was a gamble—but it paid off handsomely. As the track dried, Hamilton’s lap times plummeted while others tiptoed on intermediates. Within a handful of laps, he was knocking on the door of the top 10.
By Lap 30, he was in P7, a position he would fiercely defend until the checkered flag.
“I Loved That Charge”
After the race, Hamilton was all smiles—rare for someone who considers anything outside the podium a disappointment.
“I loved that charge back,” he told reporters. “It’s not always about where you start. It’s about how you fight. I told the team I’d work harder, and that starts now.”
He also had a message for his crew at Ferrari: “We learn together. We fall together. And we rise together. This weekend wasn’t perfect, but it showed what we’re made of.”
His race engineer responded over the radio with a simple, emotional “That was beautiful, Lewis.”
Ferrari’s Mixed Emotions
While Hamilton’s fightback brought some pride to the Scuderia garage, the weekend overall was far from ideal. His teammate Carlos Sainz struggled with tire management and eventually finished outside the points, adding pressure to Ferrari’s Constructors’ Championship hopes.
Still, Team Principal Fred Vasseur saw Hamilton’s drive as a positive sign. “This is the resilience we brought him in for,” Vasseur said. “He didn’t just score points—he sent a message.”
The Bigger Picture
Hamilton’s recovery to P7 may not seem dramatic on paper, but in the context of a title fight, it’s significant. Every point counts, especially in a season where Red Bull’s dominance is no longer absolute and McLaren and Mercedes are snapping at Ferrari’s heels.
Moreover, Hamilton’s mental strength remains unmatched. Even after a poor Saturday, he didn’t retreat into himself or blame the car. Instead, he used it as fuel.
“He races like a lion with something to prove,” said Sky Sports F1 commentator Martin Brundle. “That drive was vintage Lewis—pure grit and genius.”
What’s Next?
The F1 caravan now heads to Hungary, where Hamilton has historically been dominant. In fact, he holds the record for the most wins at the Hungaroring, with eight career victories.
“I’m already focused on Budapest,” Hamilton said. “We’ve got work to do, but this team is hungry, and I am too.”
He hinted at upgrades coming for Ferrari’s car, along with a more aggressive race strategy. “The car has potential. We just need to unlock it. And once we do, I promise we’ll be back at the front.”
Final Thoughts
For fans and critics alike, Lewis Hamilton’s Belgian Grand Prix performance was a stark reminder: write him off at your own risk. The qualifying nightmares may have set the stage for disappointment—but Hamilton rewrote the script in real time, turning what could’ve been a forgettable weekend into a highlight reel of determination, strategy, and raw talent.
And if his post-race words are any indication, Hungary could be the true comeback moment.
Don’t blink—Hamilton’s just getting started.