Ferrari began the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend with an encouraging performance in FP1, as Lewis Hamilton finished just 0.145 seconds behind pace-setter Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc completed the top three. The early results suggest that the SF-26 could be competitive at Spa-Francorchamps, although the opening practice session alone cannot establish whether Ferrari has enough pace to challenge Mercedes throughout the weekend.
The Maranello team arrived in Belgium aware that it was not considered the favourite, but also confident in the strengths of its car. Lewis Hamilton claimed second place in the opening session, while Charles Leclerc was third, 0.207 seconds away from Max Verstappen’s benchmark. Kimi Antonelli could manage only sixth place, with George Russell eighth for Mercedes.
Ferrari begins Belgian GP FP1 without declared SF-26 upgrades
The Spa weekend opened with several significant developments. Following his victory at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc’s main objective is to rediscover the confidence and connection with the car that he demonstrated at the British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, revealed that he no longer uses the simulator, unlike his Ferrari team-mate.
Ferrari has introduced upgrades of varying importance at almost every race this season. However, the FIA’s official update document for the Belgian Grand Prix did not list any new components for the SF-26, although teams do not always declare every minor change. A detailed overview of the components introduced across the grid can be found in the latest technical analysis from the Belgian GP pit lane.
The evolved “Macarena” rear wing had been expected at Spa, but its debut has been postponed due to production-related reasons. According to AutoRacer.it, the SF-26 retained its existing FTM winglet configuration during FP1. Ferrari will now examine the collected data before deciding whether to remove the element in pursuit of a gain of a few kilometres per hour on Spa’s long straights.
Ferrari’s Belgian GP FP1 pace exceeds early expectations
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc began their programmes on the yellow-marked medium tyres, gathering their first references around Spa-Francorchamps with the SF-26. The opening and final sectors feature long periods at full throttle, making the availability and management of electrical energy particularly important.
Ferrari has recovered some power through the introduction of ADUO 1 and a more aggressive hybrid deployment map. Energy use is especially significant at Spa, where the FIA has also adjusted the limits governing recovery and deployment, increasing the importance of effective MGU-K and hybrid energy management.
On paper, Ferrari faced a difficult weekend, but the opening laps offered some encouraging signs. Charles Leclerc appeared comfortable in the car, as did Lewis Hamilton, although the seven-time world champion was approximately one tenth faster during the initial runs. The SF-26 looked particularly well balanced through the middle sector, where aerodynamic load and chassis performance are crucial.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc move into the top three
Ferrari’s track activity paused with around 37 minutes of the session remaining as both cars returned to the garage. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc made several setup adjustments before Ferrari aligned its programme with those of its rivals by fitting the soft tyres for qualifying simulations.
On the first attempt, Charles Leclerc moved ahead of Kimi Antonelli but remained four tenths behind Max Verstappen, who occupied first place. Lewis Hamilton was faster than George Russell, although the British Ferrari driver was approximately six and a half tenths away from the leading time.
Both Ferrari drivers improved on their second push laps and temporarily climbed into second and third positions. Lewis Hamilton reduced his deficit to just 0.145 seconds, while Charles Leclerc finished a little over two tenths behind Max Verstappen. The Monegasque driver set the fastest time of anyone through the middle sector, underlining the SF-26’s strength in the most technical part of the circuit. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton also adopted different approaches to energy management during their laps.
Ferrari evaluates race pace with different tyre compounds
After another visit to the garage, the Ferrari drivers returned to the circuit to conduct race-pace simulations. During the final ten minutes, Lewis Hamilton continued on the soft compound, while Charles Leclerc completed his higher-fuel work on medium tyres.
It remains difficult to determine the true competitive order after only one practice session. Nevertheless, the SF-26 looked fast and well balanced through Spa’s more demanding corners with the FTM winglet still fitted. The configuration is particularly relevant because Ferrari must balance performance through the circuit’s technical second sector against the need to minimise drag on its long straights. The team’s decisions may also be influenced by the unpredictable weather expected at Spa.
How much performance Ferrari’s rivals still have in reserve is impossible to establish, especially at such a power-sensitive circuit. Mercedes was not running an ideal setup either, meaning its positions in FP1 may not accurately represent its potential for the rest of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
Ferrari also appeared competitive with fuel on board, with Lewis Hamilton producing the more encouraging run on the yellow-marked medium tyre. Charles Leclerc had already warned before the weekend that Spa would present a very different challenge from Silverstone, while outlining Ferrari’s expectations for the Belgian Grand Prix.
A clearer picture should emerge from FP2, scheduled to begin at 17:00 CET. Overall, however, Ferrari’s Belgian Grand Prix weekend started positively, with both SF-26 cars displaying encouraging one-lap speed and strong balance through Spa’s crucial middle sector.
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