Fred Vasseur confident Ferrari can fight back in Belgian GP: “We are better in the race than in qualifying”. Ferrari race pace gives Fred Vasseur confidence after Spa qualifying.

Fred Vasseur believes Ferrari can fight for the leading positions in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix, despite Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualifying only fourth and fifth at Spa-Francorchamps.

After another unconvincing Friday, Ferrari improved markedly on Saturday, as has often been the case during the 2026 Formula 1 season. However, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton ultimately had to settle for positions on the second and third rows of the grid respectively, leaving the Scuderia with work to do in the race.

Ferrari aims to challenge Mercedes and Max Verstappen

Charles Leclerc will start fourth, while Lewis Hamilton lines up fifth. The yellow-flag confusion caused by Isack Hadjar’s car stopping in the pit lane, following instructions from FIA officials, may have cost Charles Leclerc a position. However, Lando Norris’ penalty has helped to offset the effect of that incident on Ferrari’s final grid position.

While qualifying did not deliver the result Ferrari wanted, Fred Vasseur remains confident that the team’s race pace can allow Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton to challenge Mercedes and Max Verstappen. Ferrari had already approached Spa with realistic expectations, as Charles Leclerc explained in his pre-race assessment of Ferrari’s prospects at Spa-Francorchamps.

Fred Vasseur expects strategic Belgian GP battle

The Ferrari team principal expects a long and closely contested Belgian Grand Prix, with energy deployment set to be one of the decisive variables. Spa-Francorchamps presents a demanding challenge in that area, particularly after the FIA tightened the MGU-K energy rules for the Belgian GP.

“The race will be long and we can recover; we are always better in the race than in qualifying,” Fred Vasseur told Sky. “We will see a good battle between the teams because there are various options in terms of energy-deployment strategies. It will be difficult for everyone, but we will see what can happen.”

Ferrari will therefore look to use its stronger race pace, tyre management and strategic flexibility to move forward from fourth and fifth. With several teams expected to be closely matched and energy deployment likely to influence overtaking and defence, Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix could offer Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton an important opportunity to fight back.