Lewis Hamilton has admitted that catching Kimi Antonelli will be difficult in the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, but the Ferrari driver remains hopeful that Spa-Francorchamps will create opportunities for him to move forward from fifth on the grid. Despite the scale of the challenge, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion could not hide his enthusiasm for a circuit that continues to evoke special emotions every time he returns.
Spa has always represented an important event for Lewis Hamilton. Ahead of the race, the British driver reflected on the unique character of the Belgian circuit while acknowledging that fighting his way towards victory will not be straightforward, particularly with Kimi Antonelli starting from pole position.
Lewis Hamilton expects a difficult chase at Spa
Starting from fifth position, Lewis Hamilton knows he faces a demanding Belgian Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver recognised the impressive performance delivered by Kimi Antonelli throughout the weekend, but he has not abandoned hope of capitalising on the opportunities that a race at Spa can so often produce.
“It will be difficult to catch Kimi, but I hope there will be plenty of opportunities today,” Lewis Hamilton explained, referring to the unpredictability that frequently defines racing at the Belgian circuit.
The long straights and varied corner profiles of Spa can create overtaking chances, although the demands of the new power-unit regulations add another strategic element. Lewis Hamilton has already discussed the impact of battery deployment on overtaking under Formula 1’s 2026 rules, an issue that could influence how Ferrari attacks and defends during the race.
Why Spa-Francorchamps remains unique for Lewis Hamilton
More than his expectations for the race, however, it was Lewis Hamilton’s affection for Spa-Francorchamps that stood out. He recalled watching Michael Schumacher’s achievements at the circuit on television when he was younger and dreaming that he might one day compete there himself.
That ambition became reality in 2005, when Lewis Hamilton raced at Spa in Formula 3. More than two decades later, returning to the Ardennes circuit still generates the same powerful emotions for the Ferrari driver.
“Every time you come here in Formula 1, there is nothing else like it. It is an incredible track,” Lewis Hamilton said as he described the distinctive sensation of driving through the forest and taking on one of the most iconic circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.
The circuit’s elevation changes, high-speed sections and famously changeable conditions have helped make Spa one of the sport’s most demanding venues. The possibility of shifting weather remains another factor for the drivers, with the Belgian Grand Prix weather forecast adding further uncertainty to the race.
Hamilton wishes the Spa weekend lasted longer
Lewis Hamilton ultimately admitted that, were the decision his, Formula 1 drivers would receive even more track time at Spa. Rather than feeling relieved when a demanding weekend reaches its conclusion, the Ferrari driver would prefer to spend longer driving around the historic Belgian venue.
“I wish there were more sessions during the weekend. It goes by too quickly,” he said.
His comments offer further confirmation that Spa-Francorchamps remains one of Lewis Hamilton’s favourite circuits. For Ferrari, however, admiration for the venue must now give way to the task of converting fifth place on the grid into a competitive result, with the team already having outlined its expectations for the Belgian Grand Prix.
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