Lewis Hamilton’s current standing at Ferrari does not reflect his true capabilities, as both the driver and the team acknowledge the persistent challenges faced this season. Despite the pre-season excitement surrounding his switch, the 40-year-old has been met with intense scrutiny due to results that have consistently fallen short of expectations.
Nevertheless, dismissing Hamilton now would be premature. In Formula 1, significant progress often unfolds gradually, and Hamilton is increasingly adapting to the demands of Ferrari’s car with each race. The Belgian Grand Prix might offer Hamilton his best opportunity yet to showcase the skill and performance anticipated since his arrival at Ferrari over a year ago.
Key Technical Updates Lift Ferrari’s Performance Prospects
While Ferrari has yet to close the gap on frontrunner McLaren, the team has been steadily enhancing the SF-25 since the Austrian Grand Prix in June. Notable updates were implemented across all four areas of the car’s floor—the fences, edges, central body, and diffuser—resulting in a step forward confirmed by both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc, despite McLaren’s ongoing advantage.
At Silverstone, Hamilton demonstrated flashes of his former competitiveness, briefly contending for pole position. However, difficult wet conditions hampered the SF-25’s true pace and masked the full potential of both drivers. The performance gap to McLaren remained evident, underscoring the work Ferrari still faces.
One ongoing technical hurdle has been Ferrari’s difficulty in managing ride height, which has complicated the delicate balance needed to optimise race setups. To tackle this, Ferrari plans to introduce a new rear suspension upgrade on July 16, targeting improved handling and a broader operating window for tyre performance.
This upgrade, tested successfully on simulators and set for real-world evaluation in Mugello, could be a turning point if drivers respond positively. Pending favorable feedback, Ferrari aims to deploy the new suspension at Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, where the combination of floor and suspension enhancements is estimated to deliver nearly a tenth of a second per lap.
Upgrades Set the Stage for Hamilton’s Podium Ambitions at Spa
Should the upcoming updates prove effective, Hamilton could finally have the car capable of challenging for a podium finish this season. Although bridging the gap to McLaren remains a formidable challenge, Hamilton’s growing confidence at Silverstone suggested that these technical improvements are steering the SF-25 in the right direction.
However, questions linger over Ferrari’s broader strategy, especially whether their focus on understanding and developing the current SF-25 might come at the expense of progress on their 2026 car. The balance between short-term race competitiveness and long-term innovation will be critical as the season advances.
Wider Context Within F1’s Competitive Landscape
Beyond Ferrari and Hamilton’s situation, the 2025 Formula 1 season continues to feature notable dynamics including personnel shifts and team strategies that could reshape the grid. The evolving partnerships between key figures such as Toto Wolff and Christian Horner, and drivers like Oscar Piastri changing teams mid-season, add complexity to the championship race.
How Hamilton’s trajectory at Ferrari develops over the coming races, starting with Spa-Francorchamps, will not only impact his personal campaign but could influence Ferrari’s positioning in the broader constructors’ battle. The Belgian Grand Prix may serve as a defining moment where technical advancements and driver adaptation converge with significant consequences for the remainder of the year.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Lewis Hamilton vegan?
A. Race car driver Lewis Hamilton openly supports veganism and has even invested in plant-based products.
