Ferrari is preparing to debut its new rear suspension at the upcoming Formula 1 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, but there are increasing doubts over whether this update will be enough to challenge the pace of McLaren. Concerns have emerged within the Maranello-based team’s technical department following a round of testing at the Mugello circuit, and those uncertainties can only be addressed once the car hits the track in Belgium. Ferrari hopes to quickly find the right balance with the new component, but the task is made more complicated by the Sprint Race format, which offers just a single free practice session before competitive sessions begin.
Even former Formula 1 drivers question Ferrari’s strategy
This concern was echoed by former Formula 1 driver Jolyon Palmer, who commented on Ferrari’s timing during his appearance on the F1 Nation podcast. “They’re bringing a new rear suspension to Spa. But will that be enough to threaten McLaren for the win? We’ll find out soon,” said Palmer. “Their aim is clearly to get the car running as low to the ground as possible. Ferrari has already shown it can be competitive when the ride height is optimal—the issue is doing it legally. Remember, Lewis Hamilton was disqualified in China for this exact reason.”
Palmer emphasized that the choice of Spa-Francorchamps as the debut venue presents additional complications: “This is a Sprint weekend and, more importantly, it’s Spa. Finding the right setup in such conditions is extremely difficult, especially on a circuit that includes corners like Eau Rouge. Everyone will be operating on the edge, and we’ll only know who made the right decisions after the race.”
His comments point to the risk of introducing such a significant technical change at a venue as demanding and unpredictable as Spa, especially with limited practice time. Palmer stressed that it’s not just about the component itself but also about how quickly a team can extract performance from it under pressure.
High expectations despite the risks
Jolyon Palmer did, however, acknowledge the positive steps Ferrari has made with its recent development packages: “The last updates worked well and gave them performance gains in high-speed corners. We’ll now see if the new rear suspension helps them take a step forward in low-speed sections too. I’m genuinely curious to see where they stand. I have high expectations and I believe they can fight for top positions.”
Ferrari’s development path in 2025 has already yielded visible progress, but this next step—focused on mechanical grip and aero consistency—will be put to the test at one of the most complex and variable tracks on the calendar. Whether the gamble pays off or backfires will become clear only after a race weekend shaped by both limited running and the ever-unpredictable Belgian weather.
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