Team radio: Lewis Hamilton reports heavy straight-line deficit after qualifying sixth at Spa. Ferrari’s straight-line speed concerns return after Hamilton qualifies P6 at Spa.

Lewis Hamilton delivered a clear assessment of Ferrari’s performance immediately after qualifying sixth for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, pointing to the SF-26’s lack of competitiveness on Spa-Francorchamps’ high-speed sections.

As he returned to the pits at the end of the session, Lewis Hamilton told Ferrari over team radio: “Lost a lot of time on the straights.” It was a brief message, but one that highlighted a major factor behind his qualifying result at one of the most power-sensitive circuits on the Formula 1 calendar.

Lewis Hamilton highlights Ferrari’s straight-line speed problem

Spa places enormous emphasis on power-unit performance, aerodynamic efficiency and energy deployment. The long run from La Source through Eau Rouge and Raidillon towards Les Combes is particularly demanding, while the final sector also rewards cars capable of combining strong acceleration with low drag.

Lewis Hamilton’s radio message suggested that Ferrari was unable to match the strongest cars in those areas. Even when a driver feels comfortable under braking and through the corners, losing speed over Spa’s extended full-throttle sections can quickly add several tenths to a lap time.

The issue is especially difficult to recover from because reducing aerodynamic load to improve top speed can create new problems elsewhere. A lower-downforce setup may help on the Kemmel Straight, but it can also reduce grip through Spa’s medium and high-speed corners, leaving engineers with a complicated compromise.

Lewis Hamilton’s radio reaction was concise, but the meaning was unmistakable. Ferrari’s main limitation in qualifying was not simply a lack of confidence or an isolated mistake; the seven-time world champion felt he was giving away too much performance on the straights.