Scuderia Ferrari introduced their most eagerly awaited update package of the 2025 season at the Belgian Grand Prix, though the results were a mixture of positives and challenges.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have been instrumental in guiding Scuderia Ferrari to second place in the constructors’ championship so far this year. Despite their efforts, the team has yet to secure a race victory this season and seems unable to close the substantial gap that McLaren, led by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, has established in the standings.
It was clear to Ferrari that a significant performance improvement would be necessary to mount a serious challenge against McLaren for the remainder of the season. Among the upgrades introduced, Ferrari hoped their newly developed rear suspension could serve as a breakthrough component, potentially transforming the SF-25 into a genuine race-winning contender.
In addition, Lewis Hamilton received an upgrade to his braking system, which some speculated might explain his unusual spin at the conclusion of Sprint qualifying.
In the end, Charles Leclerc’s podium finish ahead of reigning World Champion Max Verstappen, combined with Hamilton’s tactical mastery that allowed him to gain 11 places and finish seventh, was viewed positively within Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters.
However, a remark made by the seven-time world champion before the race generated more confusion than enthusiasm among some members of the Ferrari team.
Ferrari Insiders Express Skepticism Over Lewis Hamilton’s Pre-Race Comments at Belgian GP
According to a report from the Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Ferrari’s internal perspective on the Belgian Grand Prix revealed a cautious and somewhat doubtful reception toward Hamilton’s statements.
Ferrari is already turning its attention towards the development of its 2026 car. While the rear suspension upgrade delivered this season was considered vital, it also plays a role in informing the team’s strategy and design decisions amid upcoming regulatory changes.
Hamilton expressed concerns that he did not want his tenure at Ferrari to follow the same path as other former champions such as Sebastian Vettel, Fernando Alonso, or Kimi Raikkonen — drivers who, despite adding trophies to their career totals, struggled to replicate championship-winning success with the Scuderia.
He admitted to submitting detailed reports to Ferrari management outlining areas where the team could improve, as well as proposals on what would be needed to mount a title challenge next season in both the drivers’ and constructors’ championships.
The report highlighted that Hamilton’s comments were met with a mixture of curiosity and skepticism among Ferrari supporters and insiders alike. The Maranello team has a longstanding reputation for operating its Formula 1 team with a distinct and sometimes rigid approach. While Hamilton’s insights and extensive experience are valued, changing established team dynamics and methods is often challenging.
Hamilton believes that Ferrari possesses the technical expertise necessary to build a championship-caliber car but that internal constraints have limited the team’s ability to fully realize its creative potential.
Such creativity and freedom are crucial in Formula 1, where every team relies on a highly skilled and innovative pool of engineers and designers to gain competitive advantages.
Despite the internal debates, Hamilton’s impressive drive through the field at Spa served as a reminder to Ferrari staff that, given a competitive car, he remains capable of delivering strong race performances.
Hamilton’s Race Progress Hampered by Lift-and-Coast Issue at Belgian Grand Prix
The Briton’s charge stalled after his pit stop for medium tyres when he encountered Alex Albon on track. Although the Williams driver delivered an impressive weekend, he theoretically should not have posed a significant challenge to Hamilton in a Ferrari, especially considering Hamilton’s strong form in the early laps of the race.
Nevertheless, the seven-time F1 world champion was reportedly ‘thwarted’ by a lift-and-coast issue throughout much of the race, a fuel-saving strategy that prevented him from fully closing the gap on Albon.
This lift-and-coast problem has affected both Hamilton and Leclerc throughout the season, dating back to Hamilton’s disqualification for excessive plank wear at the Chinese Grand Prix, which limited the team’s operational flexibility.
While the new rear suspension upgrade did not resolve any specific problem outright, both drivers offered positive feedback on the update by the end of the race weekend, indicating progress that Ferrari hopes to build upon going forward.
Leave a Reply