Lewis Hamilton issues apology to Ferrari after "unacceptable" Q1 exit

Lewis Hamilton will start 16th in the Belgian Grand Prix after a track limits infringement resulted in his elimination from Q1

Lewis Hamilton issued an apology to Ferrari after his Q1 exit means he will start the Fomula 1 Belgian Grand Prix from 16th on the grid.

The British driver initially looked to be safely into the top 15 as Q1 came to an end. But a track limits infringement meant his lap time was deleted, putting him into the elimination zone. Talking to the media following his exit, he confirmed that he will be discussing the infringement with the stewards.

The Ferrari driver confirmed that the team had made changes to the SF-25 ahead of qualifying, which "didn't feel terrible", but he still did not feel particularly comfortable in the car.

"I was the same as I was for the rest of the weekend. We made some changes, the car didn't feel terrible," Hamilton explained to Sky Sports F1. "I think it was not so easy to... It was even tough for us, we had to put a second set [of tyres] on just to get through Q1. So, not great.

"And then from my side, another mistake. So I really got to look internal. I got to apologise to my team because it's just unacceptable to be out in both Q1s. It's a very, very poor performance for myself."

The seven-time champion faced a similar fate in sprint qualifying yesterday after a spin at the penultimate corner meant he started the sprint from 18th.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images

"I don't think there's really much we can do," Hamilton said when asked if making changes to the car would be worthwhile and starting from the pitlane for the race. "So I just try and start from where I am and see where I can get from there."

He added about the season so far as a whole: "I mean, we're trying to do the best with what we have. And then obviously everyone's working flat out back in the factory. We have had upgrades, but I think that's probably it for the rest of the year.

"And then I think the focus is now, back at the factory at least, is to focus on next year's car. This season has been a tricky one. "

Hamilton confirmed in a separate interview with Motorsport.com and other media that he didn't agree with the track limits ruling and that he will be discussing it with the stewards.

"I don't agree, no. But I'm out.

"Pretty much, yeah," he responded when asked if that was a racing line he had been taking all weekend. "I wouldn't say all weekend, I mean, everyone takes that kerb, it's probably the furthest I've been."