Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton is still chasing his first podium finish with the Scuderia after another challenging weekend at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Heading into the event at Spa-Francorchamps, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion was aware that Ferrari had brought one of its most significant upgrade packages of the 2025 season—especially in terms of rear suspension developments, which were introduced following the British Grand Prix at Silverstone. Despite those improvements, Hamilton appeared to struggle more than teammate Charles Leclerc, who seemed immediately more at ease with the updated SF-25.
Charles Leclerc delivered a strong qualifying performance and managed to outperform Max Verstappen, securing third place on the starting grid for Sunday’s Grand Prix. By contrast, Lewis Hamilton’s fortunes were less favourable. He saw his final lap in Q1 deleted for a track limits infringement and was knocked out of the session—outqualified by rookie Gabriel Bortoleto, adding to his frustration.
Due to various setup changes and penalties, Hamilton was one of four drivers who began the race from the pit lane. The delayed rolling start behind the Safety Car proved beneficial, as it allowed him to lose less time than he would have under normal conditions.
Hamilton’s experience came into play during his single pit stop of the race. By opting for an early stop, he successfully executed an undercut that allowed him to leap ahead of six competitors. His calculated move resulted in a seventh-place finish, earning him six valuable points and enough fan support to be voted Driver of the Day by the global audience.
Ferrari fans hail Lewis Hamilton’s strategic masterstroke during Spa weekend
During the race, Ferrari updated fans via social media, confirming that both drivers had switched to the medium compound tyres—a decision made roughly a third of the way into the Grand Prix. Many fans expressed frustration over the stewards’ call to delay the start instead of allowing wet conditions to play a role, which could have added an element of unpredictability.
Ferrari also informed supporters that Charles Leclerc had maintained third position after the tyre change, narrowly avoiding a penalty for what was deemed a borderline unsafe release in front of Williams driver Alex Albon. Meanwhile, Hamilton had climbed up to seventh by that stage.
Supporters quickly responded to the team’s post with widespread admiration for Hamilton’s timely pit strategy. Many highlighted that he had pitted a lap earlier than several key rivals—an undercut that made all the difference in track position.
Fan reactions praised the call, with several describing the move as “great strategy” and “beautifully timed.” One user remarked that Hamilton had once again demonstrated why he was considered the greatest of all time in Formula 1, while others referenced his nickname “Goatmilton,” a playful tribute to his dominance during his championship-winning years.
Another fan emphasized that the team had finally delivered a successful strategic call for Hamilton, in contrast to some of Ferrari’s infamous past mishaps. Some noted his rapid pace, with one commenter summing it up by saying that Hamilton had gained 11 positions—an impressive recovery that captured the mood of optimism among the Tifosi.
Fred Vasseur weighs in on Lewis Hamilton’s Spa performance and setup strategy
Team principal Frédéric Vasseur later provided insights into Hamilton’s weekend performance. Speaking in a post-race interview reported by Motorsport, the Frenchman was asked whether Ferrari’s decision to equip Hamilton with a higher-downforce setup—given that he was starting from the pit lane—might become a more common strategy in future events.
Fred Vasseur dismissed that idea, explaining that Hamilton’s aggressive approach on a damp track suited the choice in this particular race. He added that the British driver had unfortunately become stuck behind Alex Albon during a critical phase, and despite having the pace, there was simply no way through. He even joked that Hamilton might have needed the duration of the Spa 24 Hours endurance race to get past the Williams driver.
The team boss believed that had it been a dry, conventional Grand Prix start, Hamilton could have benefited more from a lower-downforce configuration, suggesting that the gamble had its limits in hindsight.
Despite those limitations, Hamilton’s efforts were hindered by repeated instructions from the team to lift and coast—measures taken to manage temperatures or fuel that ultimately compromised his ability to attack in the closing stages.
As the championship heads to the Hungaroring next weekend, the Briton will be aiming to better exploit Ferrari’s latest upgrades. He remains committed to adapting quickly to the SF-25’s evolving characteristics, with hopes of finally returning to the podium in what has so far been a season of transition.
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