Belgian Grand Prix: Hamilton, Antonelli and Alonso start from the pitlane

Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Antonelli, and Fernando Alonso will start the Belgian Grand Prix from the pit lane on Sunday. Ferrari, Mercedes, and Aston Martin modified their drivers’ power units after qualifying, automatically resulting in this penalty according to the regulations.

The three men had tough qualifying sessions on Saturday at Spa-Francorchamps. Hamilton qualified 16th after his best time was annulled for exceeding track limits. Antonelli finished 18th with his Mercedes, while Alonso took 19th place, only ahead of his teammate Lance Stroll.

Engine changes for the three drivers

The FIA technical report confirms that the three drivers will use new components for the rest of the competition. Hamilton, Antonelli, and Alonso will each receive a fifth internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-H, and MGU-K, exceeding the regulatory allocation of four units per season.

Hamilton also benefits from a third battery block and new electronic control systems, while the regulations only allow two units per season. Ferrari has also modified the suspension of its car.

« The internal combustion engine used by Lewis Hamilton is the fifth of the four new internal combustion engines allowed for the 2025 championship season and this does not comply with Article 28.2 of the 2025 Formula 1 Sporting Regulations », states the official document.

Team Strategies

These decisions are explained by the unfavorable starting positions of the three drivers. Starting 16th, 18th, or 19th offers little prospect of points, especially since the weather forecast predicts rain for the race.

Antonelli already mentioned this possibility of change on Saturday. The Italian driver is going through a difficult period with only one result in the points in the last six race weekends.

For Alonso, this situation allows Aston Martin to introduce new components into its reserve at a time when the penalty remains limited given its position on the grid.

Application of the regulation

These modifications, made without the authorization of the FIA technical delegate, violate Article 40.9 b) of the sporting regulations. The official report states: « All power unit elements listed in this document were replaced without the approval of the FIA technical delegate. »

The cars numbered 44 (Hamilton), 12 (Antonelli), and 14 (Alonso) will therefore have to start from the pit lane in accordance with the regulations. The three drivers will wait for all other competitors to pass before joining the track.

This situation could present opportunities if the race proves to be eventful, especially with the weather conditions forecasted for this event at Spa-Francorchamps.