Spa-Francorchamps, July 25, 2025 – The free practice for the Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix, held this Friday, was marked by a clash between Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, and seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton, from Ferrari. During the single session at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, Hamilton drove slowly through the Eau Rouge and Raidillon curve combination, hindering Bortoleto’s fast lap. Over the radio, the Brazilian expressed his frustration with direct criticism, drawing attention to the risk of the maneuver in one of Formula 1’s most dangerous sections. The incident, captured on video, sparked debates about safety and track conduct. The session, led by Oscar Piastri, kicked off the race weekend under the sprint format.
The controversy happened at a crucial moment in practice, with drivers adjusting their cars for the sprint qualifying. Hamilton’s maneuver, which compromised Bortoleto’s lap, was deemed dangerous due to the high speed required at Eau Rouge-Raidillon. The Brazilian, in his debut season, did not hesitate to voice his dissatisfaction, while Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s teammate, also highlighted the risk over the radio.
The Spa circuit, known for its complexity, underscores the severity of the incident, especially after historical accidents on the track. The free practice, although dominated by McLaren, had the controversy as its main highlight, reigniting discussions about the behavior of experienced drivers.
- Bortoleto’s frustration: “What the hell is Hamilton doing?! He always slows down in the middle of the track!”
- Leclerc’s reaction: “Wow, what danger!”
- Track risk: Eau Rouge-Raidillon is one of F1’s most dangerous sections.
The incident exposed tensions between the new generation and the category’s veterans.
Details of the clash at Eau Rouge
The moment of tension occurred in the Eau Rouge-Raidillon combination, a section that demands precision and speeds over 300 km/h. Hamilton, by reducing speed, compromised Bortoleto’s fast lap, who was trying to improve his time. The Brazilian, visibly irritated, used the radio to criticize the Briton’s conduct, pointing out a pattern of behavior in free practices.
Charles Leclerc, who was close to the incident, reinforced the seriousness of the situation, warning about the danger of slow maneuvers in high-speed curves. Sauber, Bortoleto’s team, chose not to comment publicly, but the episode should be discussed with race direction. Ferrari, on the other hand, remained silent about Hamilton’s conduct.
- Incident location: Eau Rouge-Raidillon curve, average speed of 300 km/h.
- Bortoleto’s time: 13th place, with 1min43s262.
- Practice context: Single session due to sprint format.
The controversy reinforces the need for greater attention to safety in critical sections like Eau Rouge.
VÍDEO: Momento em que Bortoleto reclama de Hamilton: “Que porr* ele está fazendo? Ele sempre está no meio da pista” pic.twitter.com/lqPyxk5vQ2
— Blog Fórmula 1 (@blog_formula1) July 25, 2025
Gabriel Bortoleto’s profile
Gabriel Bortoleto, 20 years old, is one of the Brazilian promises in Formula 1. In his debut season with Sauber, the driver has impressed with his consistency, even competing with a less competitive car. A native of São Paulo, Bortoleto won the Formula 3 title in 2023 and arrived in F1 with support from the McLaren academy before signing with Sauber.
In Spa’s free practice, Bortoleto outperformed his teammate, Nico Hülkenberg, finishing in 13th. Despite the incident with Hamilton, the Brazilian stayed focused and seeks points over the weekend, especially in the sprint race. His frank reaction over the radio reflects the competitiveness of a rookie facing a category icon.
- Bortoleto’s career: F3 champion in 2023, F1 debut in 2025.
- Position in practice: 13th, ahead of Hülkenberg.
- Goal at Sauber: Score points in the Constructors’ Championship.
- Profile: 20-year-old from São Paulo.
The incident with Hamilton highlights Bortoleto’s determination to make his mark in F1.
Spa’s history and notable incidents
Spa-Francorchamps, with its 7,004 km and 20 curves, is one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar. Eau Rouge-Raidillon, in particular, is famous for its incline and speed, but also for serious accidents. In 2019, French driver Anthoine Hubert died after a collision in Formula 2, reinforcing the dangerous reputation of the section.
Incidents involving experienced drivers are not new at Spa. In 2008, Hamilton was at the center of a controversy with Kimi Räikkönen, involving a controversial overtake. The 2025 maneuver against Bortoleto reignites discussions about conduct in free practices, especially on tracks with a history of risks.
- 2019 accident: Death of Anthoine Hubert in Formula 2.
- 2008 controversy: Hamilton x Räikkönen, with penalty to the Briton.
- Spa characteristics: Long straights, technical curves, and elevation changes.
The combination of history and technical challenges makes Spa a constant stage for tensions.
Free practice results
Oscar Piastri led the practice with 1min42s022, followed by Max Verstappen (+0s404) and Lando Norris (+0s5). McLaren dominated the session, while Hamilton finished seventh and Leclerc fifth. Bortoleto, despite the incident, secured 13th place, ahead of Hülkenberg. The single session, due to the sprint format, limited adjustment time, increasing pressure for qualifying.
Red Bull, Verstappen’s team, seeks to recover pace after three races without wins. Ferrari, with Hamilton and Leclerc, adjusts the new suspension to improve performance. Sauber, Bortoleto’s team, focuses on consistency to score in the Constructors’ Championship.
- Top 5 in practice: Piastri, Verstappen, Norris, Russell, Leclerc.
- Hamilton’s position: Seventh, with 1min42s906.
- Sauber’s performance: Bortoleto (13th), Hülkenberg (14th).
- Sprint format: Less time for adjustments before qualifying.
The practice highlighted McLaren’s dominance and the tension between Hamilton and Bortoleto.
Weekend schedule and challenges
The Belgian GP adopts the sprint format, with a short race on Saturday distributing up to eight points. The sprint qualifying, at 11:30 AM this Friday, will define the grid for the 15-lap event. The main race, on Sunday at 10 AM, is the last before the summer break, intensifying the championship battle.
The forecast of rain for Saturday and Sunday may complicate strategies, especially at Spa, where weather is unpredictable. Bortoleto, seeking points, faces the challenge of competing on a demanding circuit against experienced drivers. Hamilton, with five wins at Spa, aims to tie Schumacher’s record.
- Sprint qualifying: Friday, 11:30 AM, broadcast on Bandsports.
- Sprint race: Saturday, 7 AM, with 15 laps.
- Main race: Sunday, 10 AM, with 44 laps.
- Weather forecast: Rain expected, affecting tire strategies.
The weekend will test drivers’ skills in adverse conditions.
