Lewis Hamilton can FINALLY get elbows out for F… read more
Lewis Hamilton is not a driver who settles for mediocrity. A seven-time world champion and one of the most dominant figures in Formula 1 history, Hamilton is not meant to consistently finish outside the podium positions—especially not in P4. Both the British icon and his new team, Ferrari, are acutely aware that such form cannot continue if their partnership is to reach its lofty expectations. The 2025 season has been a mixed bag for Hamilton, filled with growing pains, criticism, and glimmers of hope. But as the Belgian Grand Prix approaches, there is a rising sense that Hamilton could finally show the “elbows out” form that fans have been waiting for since he joined the Scuderia.
Hamilton’s debut year with Ferrari has been marred by underperformance, heightened scrutiny, and an ever-present narrative that he is no longer the powerhouse he once was. The build-up to his move from Mercedes to Ferrari was shrouded in optimism. Many believed that Hamilton could be the missing piece to restore the Prancing Horse to glory. But so far, reality has not matched the hype. While the media has been quick to overanalyze every word and every result, the truth remains that major transformations in F1 don’t happen overnight. Hamilton is still adjusting to life in red, and though the transition has been rocky, the story is far from over.
One reason for renewed hope lies in Ferrari’s recent upgrades. Since the Austrian Grand Prix in June, the Italian team has been making steady, if not spectacular, progress. Key updates were introduced across the car’s floor, specifically targeting the fences, edges, central body, and diffuser. Both Charles Leclerc and Hamilton acknowledged these changes as steps forward. Though still clearly behind the dominant McLaren team, Ferrari is closing the gap. At Silverstone, Hamilton showed glimpses of his former brilliance. He appeared competitive for pole position during Saturday’s qualifying—a testament to his growing comfort in the SF-25.
Unfortunately, that promise was overshadowed by poor weather during the race. Ferrari’s struggles in wet conditions once again hampered both Hamilton and Leclerc, as their car simply couldn’t keep pace with the leaders. Despite that, the improved performance at Silverstone offered encouragement. More importantly, it showed that with the right setup and conditions, Hamilton can still be a formidable threat.
A key technical issue that has plagued Ferrari this season is the car’s sensitivity to ride height. The SF-25 has proven notoriously difficult to balance across various tracks, often resulting in inconsistent performances. In response, Ferrari is set to test a new rear suspension upgrade—an important step toward solving this persistent problem. Scheduled for trial at Mugello on July 16, this component has already delivered promising results in simulations.
If Hamilton and Leclerc provide positive feedback during testing, Ferrari plans to bring the new rear suspension to Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix. This potential upgrade, when paired with the recent floor modifications, is projected to improve the car’s stability, tyre performance, and overall pace. By reducing the car’s sensitivity to ride height, Ferrari aims to widen the SF-25’s operational window, giving both drivers more flexibility with setup and performance across variable conditions.
According to internal estimates, the combination of the new suspension and floor updates could deliver performance gains worth nearly a tenth of a second. While that may sound minor, in F1 terms, it could be the difference between starting in P7 or P4—or better yet, putting Hamilton back into podium contention. More importantly, these upgrades could give Hamilton the confidence he needs to truly race on the limit, something fans have yet to see in Ferrari colors.
Belgium’s Spa circuit is renowned for its mix of high-speed corners, long straights, and elevation changes—conditions where a well-balanced car can thrive. If Ferrari’s upgrades function as intended, Spa could be the breakthrough Hamilton needs. His past performances at the track have been strong, and the SF-25’s improvements could finally allow him to fight toe-to-toe with the front-runners, especially if the weather plays to Ferrari’s strengths rather than exposing its flaws.
Still, there’s a lingering concern. While Ferrari’s current development focus may help salvage 2025, some fear that too much attention on the SF-25 could compromise preparations for 2026. Next year marks a significant technical overhaul for Formula 1, and teams that fall behind in developing their new challengers risk entering the new era on the back foot. Balancing the short-term goal of podiums with the long-term vision of championships is a delicate task for team principal Fred Vasseur and his engineers.
For now, however, the priority is clear: get Hamilton comfortable, competitive, and confident in the car. Ferrari fans have waited far too long for a return to glory, and Hamilton has endured too many near-misses since joining. With a promising set of upgrades, a circuit that suits his style, and momentum slowly shifting in his favor, the Belgian Grand Prix could be the turning point of Hamilton’s debut season in red.
Whether he ends up on the podium or simply closes the gap to McLaren, one thing is certain—Hamilton will no longer be playing it safe. At Spa, it may finally be time for him to get his elbows out.
