Ferrari started the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix weekend with an encouraging efficiency in FP1, as Lewis Hamilton completed simply 0.145 seconds behind pace-setter Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc accomplished the highest three. The early outcomes recommend that the SF-26 could possibly be aggressive at Spa-Francorchamps, though the opening follow session alone can’t set up whether or not Ferrari has sufficient tempo to problem Mercedes all through the weekend.
The Maranello workforce arrived in Belgium conscious that it was not thought of the favorite, but in addition assured within the strengths of its automotive. Lewis Hamilton claimed second place within the opening session, whereas Charles Leclerc was third, 0.207 seconds away from Max Verstappen’s benchmark. Kimi Antonelli might handle solely sixth place, with George Russell eighth for Mercedes.
Ferrari begins Belgian GP FP1 with out declared SF-26 upgrades
The Spa weekend opened with a number of vital developments. Following his victory at Silverstone, Charles Leclerc’s foremost goal is to rediscover the arrogance and reference to the automotive that he demonstrated on the British Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton, in the meantime, revealed that he now not makes use of the simulator, in contrast to his Ferrari team-mate.
Ferrari has launched upgrades of various significance at nearly each race this season. Nevertheless, the FIA’s official replace doc for the Belgian Grand Prix didn’t record any new elements for the SF-26, though groups don’t all the time declare each minor change. An in depth overview of the elements launched throughout the grid will be discovered within the newest technical evaluation from the Belgian GP pit lane.
The developed “Macarena” rear wing had been anticipated at Spa, however its debut has been postponed on account of production-related causes. In response to AutoRacer.it, the SF-26 retained its present FTM winglet configuration throughout FP1. Ferrari will now study the collected knowledge earlier than deciding whether or not to take away the factor in pursuit of a achieve of some kilometres per hour on Spa’s lengthy straights.
Ferrari’s Belgian GP FP1 tempo exceeds early expectations
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc started their programmes on the yellow-marked medium tyres, gathering their first references round Spa-Francorchamps with the SF-26. The opening and last sectors characteristic lengthy durations at full throttle, making the provision and administration {of electrical} vitality notably vital.
Ferrari has recovered some energy by way of the introduction of ADUO 1 and a extra aggressive hybrid deployment map. Power use is very vital at Spa, the place the FIA has additionally adjusted the bounds governing restoration and deployment, rising the significance of efficient MGU-Okay and hybrid vitality administration.
On paper, Ferrari confronted a tough weekend, however the opening laps provided some encouraging indicators. Charles Leclerc appeared comfy within the automotive, as did Lewis Hamilton, though the seven-time world champion was roughly one tenth quicker through the preliminary runs. The SF-26 seemed notably effectively balanced by way of the center sector, the place aerodynamic load and chassis efficiency are essential.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc transfer into the highest three
Ferrari’s observe exercise paused with round 37 minutes of the session remaining as each vehicles returned to the storage. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc made a number of setup changes earlier than Ferrari aligned its programme with these of its rivals by becoming the mushy tyres for qualifying simulations.
On the primary try, Charles Leclerc moved forward of Kimi Antonelli however remained 4 tenths behind Max Verstappen, who occupied first place. Lewis Hamilton was quicker than George Russell, though the British Ferrari driver was roughly six and a half tenths away from the main time.
Each Ferrari drivers improved on their second push laps and quickly climbed into second and third positions. Lewis Hamilton diminished his deficit to only 0.145 seconds, whereas Charles Leclerc completed somewhat over two tenths behind Max Verstappen. The Monegasque driver set the quickest time of anybody by way of the center sector, underlining the SF-26’s energy in essentially the most technical a part of the circuit. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton additionally adopted completely different approaches to vitality administration throughout their laps.
Ferrari evaluates race tempo with completely different tyre compounds
After one other go to to the storage, the Ferrari drivers returned to the circuit to conduct race-pace simulations. Through the last ten minutes, Lewis Hamilton continued on the mushy compound, whereas Charles Leclerc accomplished his higher-fuel work on medium tyres.
It stays tough to find out the true aggressive order after just one follow session. Nonetheless, the SF-26 seemed quick and effectively balanced by way of Spa’s extra demanding corners with the FTM winglet nonetheless fitted. The configuration is especially related as a result of Ferrari should steadiness efficiency by way of the circuit’s technical second sector towards the necessity to minimise drag on its lengthy straights. The workforce’s selections may additionally be influenced by the unpredictable climate anticipated at Spa.
How a lot efficiency Ferrari’s rivals nonetheless have in reserve is unattainable to ascertain, particularly at such a power-sensitive circuit. Mercedes was not operating a really perfect setup both, which means its positions in FP1 might not precisely signify its potential for the remainder of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.
Ferrari additionally appeared aggressive with gas on board, with Lewis Hamilton producing the extra encouraging run on the yellow-marked medium tyre. Charles Leclerc had already warned earlier than the weekend that Spa would current a really completely different problem from Silverstone, whereas outlining Ferrari’s expectations for the Belgian Grand Prix.
A clearer image ought to emerge from FP2, scheduled to start at 17:00 CET. Total, nevertheless, Ferrari’s Belgian Grand Prix weekend began positively, with each SF-26 vehicles displaying encouraging one-lap velocity and robust steadiness by way of Spa’s essential center sector.
Jul 17, 2026
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