Ferrari is set to introduce a major upgrade to their Formula 1 car for the Belgian Grand Prix, following the recent debut of their new floor at the Spielberg race in Austria. This upgrade is seen as a crucial step for Ferrari to regain momentum in the 2025 season after a series of underwhelming performances from both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton.
Since Ferrari’s disqualification in China due to excessive skid block wear, the Italian team has been cautious to avoid repeating similar issues at upcoming races. During the Austrian Grand Prix, Leclerc was advised by his race engineer to avoid aggressive kerbing to minimize plank wear, a precaution that ultimately affected their competitiveness and contributed to Ferrari’s inability to challenge McLaren for victory.
When asked about Ferrari’s Belgian GP upgrades during the Drivers’ Press Conference, Lewis Hamilton provided a notably measured response, which resonated well with F1 fans. The upgrades, particularly focused on the rear suspension, represent the first major influence of Ferrari’s chassis technical director Loic Serra. Ferrari recently conducted a filming day at Mugello using the updated components to gather preliminary data.
Hamilton was questioned specifically about this filming day and the new parts but chose to keep his comments deliberately vague. He clarified that the day was not a formal test but rather a photo shoot, stating that the team completed only ten laps and did not conduct any testing activities. When further asked about how the car felt, Hamilton replied that it felt the same as the previous week.
This understated reply sparked a wave of reactions on social media. Many fans praised Hamilton’s subtle and cheeky approach, with one commenting on his “wonderful answers,” while another called him “the GOAT being cheeky and downplaying the upgrade.” Several fans described Hamilton’s response as the “perfect answer,” appreciating the balance of honesty and discretion.
However, some viewers were divided about Hamilton’s comments, expressing mixed feelings regarding Ferrari’s current form and the impact of the new parts. One fan expressed optimism by stating, “Ferrari never disappoints,” while another shared reservations after watching the interview. Additionally, one fan posted a humorous GIF captioned “And the Oscar goes to…,” implying that Ferrari and Hamilton might be using the filming day as a strategic move to quietly introduce and fine-tune their upgrades.
The upgrade comes at a critical time for Ferrari, whose 2025 campaign has been marked by disappointment so far. After a strong challenge for the Constructors’ Championship last year and promising early-season performances, the team has yet to secure a Grand Prix win halfway through this season. The lone bright spot was Lewis Hamilton’s victory in the Sprint race in China, where he led from pole position. Since then, Ferrari has struggled to maintain that level of competitiveness.
Adding to the challenge, Charles Leclerc has hinted that the Belgian Grand Prix may prove difficult due to the expected rainy weather conditions. The Monegasque, who secured his first win with Ferrari at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019, warned that the forecasted rain on Friday and Saturday could limit the team’s ability to collect meaningful data on the upgraded car’s performance, potentially complicating their efforts to maximize the new parts during the race weekend.
In summary, Ferrari’s planned upgrade for the Belgian Grand Prix represents a vital attempt to revive their season, but unpredictable weather and recent performance issues mean the team still faces a tough battle ahead. Lewis Hamilton’s cautious but confident remarks about the new rear suspension highlight Ferrari’s strategic approach to improvement, even as fans eagerly await clearer signs of progress on the track.
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