In a surprising development just before the Belgian Grand Prix, Ferrari has officially announced that Lewis Hamilton will not be participating in the race weekend. The news broke early this morning and has caused widespread shock across the Formula 1 community. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, was expected to be a key contender at Spa-Francorchamps, making his absence all the more impactful.
Ferrari revealed that Hamilton’s withdrawal is due to a sudden and unexpected medical issue that arose overnight. Though the team did not release detailed information, it is understood that the decision came after urgent medical evaluations by FIA doctors. The incident appears serious enough to rule Hamilton out entirely for the weekend, raising concerns among fans and insiders alike.
Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He stated that Hamilton had been highly motivated for the race, but emphasized that the driver’s health remains the priority. Vasseur affirmed the team’s full support for Hamilton’s recovery and noted that the focus is now on preparing for the next race at Zandvoort.
In response to Hamilton’s absence, Ferrari is preparing to name a replacement driver. The team’s reserve, Oliver Bearman, is the leading candidate to step in at short notice. An official confirmation regarding the substitute driver is expected soon as the team adjusts to this abrupt change.
This withdrawal adds to what has already been a challenging weekend for Hamilton, who was previously eliminated in Q1 during qualifying after a track limits violation. The unexpected setback not only disrupts Ferrari’s plans but also shakes up the competition at Spa, where Hamilton was anticipated to be a major factor. Fans will now wait anxiously for further updates on his condition.
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