Lewis Hamilton Unfazed by Crash at Spa, Says Juan Pablo Montoya

Lewis Hamilton's crash at the final free practice session at Spa on 18 Jul 2026 has left many wondering if the seven-time world champion is unsettled ahead of qualifying. The incident occurred when Hamilton careered over the kerbs into the gravel trap and grazed the tyre barriers with the right-hand side of his rear end.

What happened?

Hamilton's car was damaged in the crash, with both the right-hand rear suspension and the rear wing affected. The angle of impact suggests that the gearbox may also have sustained some damage. Despite the severity of the crash, Hamilton attempted to drive the damaged car back to the pits, but his team instructed him to park the car to protect it from further damage.

Why it matters for Lewis Hamilton

The crash has raised questions about Hamilton's confidence ahead of qualifying. However, former F1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya believes that the seven-time world champion will bounce back from the incident. In an analysis for 'F1 TV', Montoya said: "For him, a crash like that is no big deal; as a driver, you just get back in the car and carry on."

What comes next?

Montoya also believes that the repairs to Hamilton's car will not be a major issue. He said: "You can replace the entire rear end, and I'm pretty sure they have a spare that's already assembled. Because all the teams have that. So you just have to loosen four to six bolts, and the whole rear end comes right off." The incident has highlighted the importance of reliability in F1, with Montoya noting that the cars are now being driven to the limit.

Hamilton's crash at Spa has been a talking point in the F1 paddock, with many wondering if the seven-time world champion will be able to bounce back from the incident. However, with the help of his team and the expertise of drivers like Montoya, Hamilton is likely to be back on track in no time.

The impact on the championship

The crash has not had a significant impact on the championship standings, with Hamilton still sitting in a strong position. However, the incident has highlighted the importance of consistency and reliability in F1, with many teams now focusing on improving their cars to avoid similar incidents.

Hamilton's crash at Spa has been a reminder of the risks involved in F1, but it has also shown the resilience and determination of the seven-time world champion. With the help of his team and the expertise of drivers like Montoya, Hamilton is likely to be back on track in no time, fighting for the championship title.

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