Charles Leclerc appeared to turn a corner with Ferrari at Silverstone, but his difficult start to the Belgian Grand Prix weekend has raised fresh questions about whether that breakthrough can be repeated at Spa-Francorchamps.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1, Naomi Schiff reflected on the contrast between Charles Leclerc’s encouraging British Grand Prix victory and the early signs from the Belgian GP. The Monegasque driver had arrived at Silverstone after a challenging first part of the season, but found a solution that helped him feel more at one with the SF-26.
Charles Leclerc’s Silverstone breakthrough has not carried over to Spa
Naomi Schiff explained that Charles Leclerc had spoken positively about finally finding an “aha” moment at Silverstone, having worked through the issues that had held him back with the Ferrari. Yet the opening sessions at Spa suggest that extracting the same natural performance from the car may once again be proving difficult.
“I had a chat with Charles coming into the weekend and he said he finally had this ‘aha’ moment at Silverstone to fix the issues he has been having so far with the car,” Naomi Schiff said.
“But this weekend it looks, yet again, that maybe it’s not coming as naturally to him. I think there is an element of certain drivers that these cars come a lot more naturally to them and others are really having to fight their natural instinct to make it go quick around the lap.
“So it seems tough for Charles.”
Why Spa presents a different challenge for Ferrari
A good result at Silverstone does not automatically guarantee a repeat performance at Spa-Francorchamps. The two circuits demand different compromises from the car, and Spa’s high-speed sections, elevation changes and long straights place particular emphasis on confidence under braking, traction and energy deployment.
Charles Leclerc’s weekend has reflected that challenge. Ferrari made significant set-up changes to his SF-26 during final practice after he was unhappy with the balance, and he finished FP3 sixth, 0.760 seconds behind the fastest lap. While the gap does not tell the full story on its own, it underlines the work still facing Ferrari before qualifying.
Ferrari need to help Charles Leclerc unlock the SF-26
Naomi Schiff’s assessment points to a wider theme of the 2026 season: the SF-26 can deliver strong pace, but it has not always offered both Ferrari drivers the same confidence from one circuit to the next. The Monegasque’s Silverstone victory showed what is possible when the car is within his preferred operating window.
At Spa, Ferrari must now find a set-up that allows Charles Leclerc to attack the lap without fighting the car’s natural tendencies. With qualifying margins expected to be tight, even a small improvement in balance and predictability could make a significant difference to his starting position for the Belgian Grand Prix.
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