Hamilton’s nightmare Grand Prix weekend has gone from bad to worse

LEWIS HAMILTON will start from the pit lane for today’s Belgian Grand Prix after being slapped with a 60-PLACE grid penalty.

The seven-time world champion has endured a troubled weekend at Spa-Francorchamps and had been due to start 16th after he was eliminated in Q1.


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Lewis Hamilton has endured a nightmare Belgian Grand Prix so farCredit: PA
However, Hamilton’s Ferrari team have confirmed he will start at the back of the pack after taking on a new power unit.

Three other drivers have also been slapped with hefty penalties for the Spa race.

Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso have both also had new power units installed – so will start from the pit lane.

Carlos Sainz, meanwhile, was ruled to have made unapproved adjustments to his Williams car – so will also start from the pit lane.

Heavy rain is threatening to wreak havoc once again in Belgium, with showers and thunderstorms forecast right in time for the start of the race too.

Hamilton described his performances so far this weekend as “unacceptable” after he started 18th and finished only 15th in the sprint race earlier and then failed to progress to Q2 in qualifying for Sunday’s main event.

Hamilton’s best lap was chalked off by the stewards after he ran all four wheels of his Ferrari off the circuit at Raidillon.

“I don’t agree (with the stewards’ decision), but I’m out,” said the 40-year-old. “It was another mistake from my side and I have to look internally.

“I have to apologise to my team because it is just unacceptable to be out in both Q1s this weekend. A very, very poor performance.”

Hamilton is without a podium for Ferrari – the deepest he has ever gone into a season without a top-three finish.