Ferrari introduced what they hoped would be game-changing updates to their cars for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Throughout the 2025 Formula 1 campaign, it’s been clear that Ferrari haven’t been performing at the level that many people would expect.
Last season, team principal Fred Vasseur watched his team come perilously close to winning the constructors’ championship for the first time since 2008.
Lando Norris denied the Scuderia the chance to celebrate in Abu Dhabi with his victory on the final day of the campaign, but this year, Ferrari have come nowhere near that same level of competitiveness.
Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton are still waiting for their first Grand Prix victory, and the Belgian Grand Prix once again saw Andrea Stella’s team record a one-two finish.
However, Ferrari introduced a new rear suspension update that appeared to make a difference, even if it didn’t close the gap as much as both drivers would have liked.
Hamilton struggled up until Sunday’s race after being eliminated in the first portion of qualifying on Friday and Saturday.
Meanwhile, Leclerc produced a phenomenal performance across the weekend that Ralf Schumacher believes could cause further headaches for the seven-time world champion.
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Photo by Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesRalf Schumacher thinks Ferrari will begin listening to Charles Leclerc more than Lewis Hamilton
Schumacher was reflecting on Hamilton’s performance at Spa on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast and sympathetically explained: “I would actually like to give him a little more time because under conditions like yesterday, if you compare him to Antonelli, you have to be honest, he did a great job from a similar position.
“Yes, Leclerc did pull it off, I have to say. In comparison, it was a perfect weekend, even though he started with the new car, or the new rear end, he managed the whole weekend.
“He was strong under all conditions, and it’s a nice trend for him and the team, but of course, it doesn’t make things any easier for Lewis, because the team will now naturally listen to him even more.
“I have to say, I was criticised for saying at the beginning, give him time. I think everyone has seen by now that it’s necessary, and one should not judge too soon because it takes time.
“But I wouldn’t have imagined it would have been so bad at times.
“Of course, there were also some bright spots like in China, but, all in all, it’s a bit sad to watch and yes, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him because he has to get his act together.
“If the season ends like this, then I don’t know whether the partnership would still make sense in the long run.”
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Charles Leclerc stifled laughter when asked about Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari documents
One of the early talking points of the weekend leading up to the Belgian Grand Prix was a comment Hamilton made about the work he’s doing behind the scenes at Ferrari.
In the build-up to the race at Spa, Hamilton revealed that he had been putting together documents relating to Ferrari’s plans for 2026.
The seven-time world champion doesn’t want a repeat of this season and has been aiming to help Ferrari get off on the right foot for the upcoming regulation changes.
Leclerc couldn’t help but laugh when asked about Hamilton’s documents, but not because he found his teammate’s efforts behind the scenes amusing.
Instead, he thought it was funny that people believed it was such a big deal that Hamilton was doing this level of work.
Schumacher’s point might worry Hamilton, and if Ferrari do start listening to Leclerc more, then he could point their attention away from the changes he would like to make to the car.
Fundamentally, they have different driving styles, and Ferrari are going to have their work cut out developing a car that suits them both.