Lewis Hamilton’s streak of finishing on the podium when he’s finished the Belgian Grand Prix has concluded, after finishing fourth last Sunday.
Baring his rookie season when he finished fourth, Hamilton had claimed a rostrum at Spa-Francorchamps whenever he made it to the end of the race, a streak which has since ended.
Hamilton started in third last Sunday but struggled to catch Charles Leclerc in third, before accepting defeat in the closing laps.
After recognising that a podium was off the cards, the seven-time World Champion pitted for fresh tyres, in an attempt at the fastest lap on the final lap.
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He achieved just that, something which stopped reigning World Champion Max Verstappen from completing yet another Grand Slam.
Hamilton’s record at the Belgian GP is very mixed, given that he’s retired at the venue five times.
The Mercedes driver failed to finish at the legendary venue in 2009, 2011, 2012, 2014 and 2022.
However, in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021, he secured at least a podium.
Four of his 10 podiums at the venue are victories, whilst he’s now finished fourth twice.
His 2023 Belgian GP was a frustrating one, especially after being penalised in Saturday’s sprint race.
Hamilton was battling Sergio Perez and slipped up the Mexican’s inside at Turn 15, only for a sudden bout of understeer to send the British driver wide.
He ended up going into the side of Perez which pierced a hole in the Red Bull driver’s sidepod, which forced him to later retire from the race.
Hamilton received a five-second time penalty and two penalty points for the incident, which demoted him from fourth to seventh.
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Mercedes opted not to appeal the decision due to how few points are awarded in sprint races; however, many view the collision as a racing incident.
One of the stewards reportedly agreed with Hamilton that it was nothing more than a racing incident, but they were outnumbered by the other stewards who believed that the 38-year-old caused a collision.
Despite this, Hamilton didn’t look set to claim a top three in the sprint either.