The gap to McLaren’s Lando Norris remains significant, but Ferrari has made a real step forward in Spielberg. The team benefitted from the new floor, and under Frédéric Vasseur’s guidance, they finally managed to unlock the potential of the SF-25, finishing ahead of both Mercedes and Red Bull.
Qualifying doesn’t bring points or trophies, but it lays a foundation to build on during the race. From this perspective, Ferrari’s Saturday was a success for several reasons. Most importantly, the SF-25 showed improvement in one of its main weaknesses this season: single-lap pace. This step forward coincided with the debut of a new floor brought to Austria by Ferrari’s engineers — a positive signal ahead of a full upgrade package expected around the Spa weekend.
Based on technical performance, Ferrari’s cars should have lined up on the second row. But a yellow flag caused by Pierre Gasly’s spin at the end of Q3 prevented Oscar Piastri from completing his final run, allowing Charles Leclerc to move up and secure a front-row start alongside polesitter Lando Norris.
McLaren remains out of reach, leaving Ferrari with no real shot at pole, but the team clearly confirmed its place as the second force — a result that was far from guaranteed at the start of the weekend. Adding to Ferrari’s success was Lewis Hamilton’s fourth place, his best qualifying result since joining the team.
This result is a breath of fresh air for Ferrari after a tough weekend in Montreal and the media spotlight surrounding Vasseur’s situation. Formula 1 is ultimately a results-driven sport — and results are what matter.
If the 71 laps of the race confirm the pace seen in qualifying, Ferrari will head to Silverstone with renewed optimism. For now, Leclerc is enjoying the moment. A front-row start wasn’t on the radar, so his smile is well earned.
“This year we’ve been quite weak in qualifying,” Charles Leclerc said, “which has forced us to make up ground during races where we usually have better pace. Starting from the front gives us a better shot at getting where we want to be. I saw the gap to Lando’s lap, so I don’t know if we’ll be able to aim for anything special, but we usually show our best pace on Sunday, and that gives me confidence.”
“I’m happy with the upgrades we brought this weekend, they definitely helped. Beyond the result, I could feel a real step forward. Now we need to confirm that on different types of tracks as well.”
Qualifying also brought a smile back to Hamilton’s face. His Friday had been a struggle, but the overnight work paid off.
“We made some progress,” Lewis Hamilton confirmed. “The car felt much better and my sensations were really positive. I’m getting closer to Charles in terms of performance, and that gives me confidence because he’s really in tune with the car — he barely ever changes it.”
“In recent races I’ve said I couldn’t wait to get back on the podium,” he concluded, “but I won’t say it again. I hope to do it with actions, not words.”
It won’t be easy, but starting from fourth, a podium doesn’t seem out of reach.
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