Damon Hill thinks Lewis Hamilton must answer one ‘big question’ after Belgian Grand Prix qualifying error

Follow us on Google Discover

Lewis Hamilton was left apologetic to his Ferrari team after a difficult qualifying session for the Belgian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion starts the race from 16th on the grid after being knocked out in Q1, due to a track limits violation at Raidillon on his final attempt to improve out of the drop zone.

It came after an uncharacteristic spin for Hamilton during qualifying for the Sprint race at the Bus Stop chicane, in which the Ferrari driver had to recover from 18th on the grid.

Ferrari have brought the anticipated upgrades to their car this weekend, but they have failed to make an impact on Hamilton as he has struggled to match teammate Charles Leclerc.

Discussing what happened on the Chequered Flag podcast, former F1 driver and 1996 world champion Damon Hill believes there is still one ‘big question’ overhanging Hamilton.

Damon Hill thinks Lewis Hamilton has yet to answer ‘big question’ of whether he can win with Ferrari

Although Hamilton’s year with Ferrari got off to a good start with the Sprint race victory in China, things have yet to get better for the seven-time world champion.

Leclerc has consistently beat him on race days and in qualifying, Hamilton has yet to make it onto the front row of the grid for a Grand Prix.

Hill thinks the seven-time world champion still has to answer the big question of whether the move to Ferrari will yield success, after Hamilton told media that he was determined to win a title after Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso’s failures to do so at the Italian team.

“This is another weekend where Charles has managed to get third on the grid, and it’s not glory days for Lewis Hamilton,” said Hill.

“We’re going to have to wait a bit, but will it come? That’s the big question, is this season going to be one long and sad story of Lewis Hamilton struggling to get results that warrant his immense talent?”

Anthony Davidson says no ‘doubt’ about Lewis Hamilton track limits penalty

Hamilton’s lap in Q1 was taken away from him after the chequered flag when the stewards determined that he exceeded track limits at Raidillon.

Analysing what happened on Sky Sports F1, former driver Anthony Davidson felt there was no ‘doubt’ that the Ferrari driver cut the track after seeing his wheels pinch the blue section that shows cars have exceeded track limits.

“We have a still shot that had that different view and for anyone who had those doubts as to where his wheels were compared to the white line and the blue, it’s clear as day. If you look at this sport from a different angle, it tells you a different story,” said Davidson.

Hamilton starts the Belgian GP from 16th on the grid and will be looking to progress into the points, while teammate Leclerc is third after a late improvement in Q3 to relegate Max Verstappen down to P4.