Lewis Hamilton suffered a heavy crash in the final minutes of the Belgian GP F1 TL3. The crash caused significant damage to the rear of the Ferrari and put the team in a race against time before qualifying.
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The incident happened on the heptachampion’s last fast lap at Spa-Francorchamps. Hamilton went wide at the exit of the Fagnes chicane and, trying to control the SF-26 over the gravel area, hit the barrier with the rear of the car.
The impact tore off the rear wheel, which remained attached by the safety cables, and also severely damaged the rear wing. Despite the force of the crash, Hamilton kept the car moving for a few moments before stopping on the track due to the damage.
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When asked over the radio if he was okay, the Briton replied: “I destroyed the car! Sorry!”. The reaction showed the extent of the damage suffered by Ferrari at the most delicate moment of preparation for qualifying.
The crash was very similar to Pierre Gasly’s in Friday’s TL2, also at the exit of Fagnes. The difference is that the Alpine driver spun twice before stopping, while Hamilton kept going until he could no longer continue. Now, Ferrari’s mechanics need to rebuild the rear of the car in time for the session that will define the starting grid.
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