Ferrari’s 2025 F1 Strategy: Will the Belgian Grand Prix Upgrade Bring Success?

Ferrari’s Formula 1 team has been under significant scrutiny in 2025, with many questioning whether they can compete at the front of the grid or if their focus should already shift to the 2026 season. However, a new wave of optimism surrounds the Scuderia’s plans for the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, where they are set to introduce a major upgrade aimed at improving their SF25 car’s performance. The team’s approach has already generated mixed opinions, particularly regarding a revised rear suspension, and it will be intriguing to see how the package fares in real-world conditions.

A Significant Upgrade to the SF25

Ferrari is set to unleash an upgrade package that could bring a crucial performance improvement of three-tenths of a second to the SF25. This enhancement, however, is not just another incremental development; it’s centered around a revised rear suspension layout—only the second such modification to the car this season. The underlying idea is to address a persistent issue that has plagued Ferrari’s performance since the season opener in Australia.

The SF25, like many F1 cars, is constantly evolving, but the major tweak centers on improving rear stability, particularly during braking and corner entry. Ferrari’s engineers have committed to a new approach, aiming to lower the rear end of the car under braking. This should provide better rear-end stability and overall performance, which would benefit both qualifying and race pace.

The revised suspension could be pivotal for Ferrari as they attempt to bridge the performance gap to the front-runners, especially with the ongoing competition from teams like Mercedes, Red Bull, and others. However, the success of this upgrade is far from guaranteed. While it is undoubtedly a significant development, questions remain about how it will affect the car’s overall performance, particularly during long runs and under various track conditions.

Diverging Opinions: Hamilton vs. Leclerc

As expected, Ferrari’s internal dynamic has once again come to the fore, with differing views on the updated rear suspension from their two star drivers: Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc. Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, has already tested the new rear suspension during a private session at Mugello, where he is believed to have gained confidence in the car’s potential. Hamilton has been open about his frustrations with the SF25’s performance so far this season, especially concerning the low-speed understeer. He believes that while the car has the potential to match the pace of those ahead, it requires fine-tuning to make it more competitive.

On the other hand, Leclerc, who has often been seen as Ferrari’s number one driver, has expressed more reservations about the changes. Despite also testing the new suspension, Leclerc has not been convinced that the car’s behavior has drastically improved. His assessment suggests that while there are marginal improvements, they may not be enough to propel Ferrari back into the fight for podium finishes. Leclerc’s call for unlocking the full potential of the SF25 has been a consistent theme throughout the 2025 season, and his dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s direction could impact the team’s approach in the coming months.

This split in opinion between Ferrari’s two drivers adds an interesting layer of complexity to the team’s prospects for the Belgian Grand Prix. The upgrade package could lead to vastly different performances for Hamilton and Leclerc, depending on how well each driver can adapt to the new suspension.

Ferrari’s Commitment to 2025: A Question of Strategy

While many have suggested that Ferrari should abandon their focus on the 2025 season and redirect their efforts entirely toward preparing for 2026, team principal Fred Vasseur has maintained that the SF25 still has untapped potential. Despite some bleak performances earlier in the season, Vasseur remains adamant that more performance can still be extracted from the car. The updated rear suspension is evidence of Ferrari’s ongoing commitment to the current season, and the team is determined to make incremental improvements wherever possible.

Vasseur’s stance contrasts with the views of other figures within Ferrari, as well as some in the media, who argue that it may be too late for Ferrari to challenge for the championship in 2025. However, with several major upgrades still in the pipeline, including improvements to the power steering system, Ferrari is not ready to abandon their aspirations for the current season.

Despite these efforts, Hamilton has been candid about his own outlook. While acknowledging that the SF25 can be as quick as the competition on a single lap, he has expressed concerns over the car’s lack of consistency. The “low-speed understeer” issue has been a constant problem, and Hamilton has pointed out that the team’s efforts to extract extra performance from the car are leading to more unpredictable handling. His message to Ferrari’s engineers is clear: unless they can fix these fundamental issues soon, there is little point in continuing to search for further performance gains.

The Role of 2026 in Ferrari’s Long-Term Plans

It’s clear that both Hamilton and Ferrari are already looking ahead to 2026, even as they continue to focus on the remainder of 2025. Hamilton himself has said that he isn’t expecting any game-changing upgrades for the current season. Instead, he’s focused on building a foundation for next year, when the team will hope to have a more competitive car. This mindset has led many to speculate that Ferrari’s ambitions for 2025 may already be tempered by their long-term goals for 2026.

The upcoming seasons hold significant promise for both Ferrari and Hamilton. With the current regulations set to remain in place until 2026, the next few years will be crucial in determining which teams come out on top. Ferrari’s ability to develop a championship-winning car for 2026 will depend heavily on the lessons learned from their 2025 campaign.

Hamilton, who has won seven world championships, is undoubtedly eyeing another title in the coming years. However, with Red Bull and other teams looking strong, his chances of winning the 2025 title seem slim. Still, the team’s commitment to improving the SF25 for 2025 could serve as a valuable stepping stone toward future success.

The Importance of Spa

As the Belgian Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Ferrari’s upgraded SF25 and whether it can finally deliver the performance gains it has promised. Spa-Francorchamps is a track known for testing the limits of both the car and the driver, and it will serve as a crucial test for Ferrari’s revamped suspension system. The updated rear suspension is expected to improve rear stability and overall lap time, but the real question remains whether it will be enough to make a meaningful impact on race results.

In conclusion, while Ferrari’s upgrades are encouraging, the path to success in 2025 remains uncertain. With a divided opinion from their drivers and internal discussions about focusing on the 2026 season, Ferrari faces a delicate balancing act. Whether the revised rear suspension at Spa will deliver the expected improvements is yet to be seen, but for now, Ferrari’s 2025 season remains very much alive—and so does their quest for a championship in the years to come.

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