F1 Belgian GP FP1: Ferrari aims to validate rear suspension updates at Spa – Follow live coverage. Ferrari tests its new rear suspension during FP1 at the Belgian Grand Prix in Spa.

Ferrari is seeking confirmation and further data on its newly introduced rear suspension during the first free practice session (FP1) at the 2025 Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. After initial private testing at the Mugello circuit, the Italian team is now evaluating the performance of the new suspension on a Grand Prix weekend for the first time under official conditions. You can follow the live commentary and updates from the practice session – LIVE from Spa.

The revised rear suspension on the Ferrari SF-25 has become one of the most discussed technical developments ahead of this race weekend in Belgium. Both Scuderia Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc and seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton have extensively commented on the update. They both pointed out that it will take time to fully understand the benefits and implications of the new rear-end setup on performance, handling, and tire management.

Adding to the challenge is the return of the Sprint Race format at Spa-Francorchamps this weekend. Because of the altered schedule that comes with a Sprint weekend, drivers and teams will only have one hour of free practice available—FP1—before heading directly into qualifying. This increases the pressure to quickly identify the correct car setup that will be used for both the Sprint and the main Grand Prix.

Furthermore, weather conditions are expected to complicate matters significantly. Rain is forecast to affect the entire weekend, potentially limiting the amount of dry-track running. As a result, gathering reliable data on Ferrari’s new suspension may not be fully possible until the following race weekends, where more stable weather is expected.

What time does Free Practice 1 begin at Spa-Francorchamps?
The first free practice session for the Belgian Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 12:30 PM local time. It is important to note that this will be the only practice session of the entire weekend due to the Sprint format. Later on Friday, at 4:30 PM local time, the qualifying session that determines the grid for Saturday morning’s Sprint Race will take place.