Lewis Hamilton eyes redemption at Belgian GP as Ferrari pin hopes on crucial upgrade
As the Formula 1 calendar nears its midseason break, all eyes turn to Spa-Francorchamps, one of the sport’s most iconic and unpredictable circuits.
This year's Belgian Grand Prix carries added weight for Lewis Hamilton, now racing for Ferrari, who looks to reverse his recent form and rewrite his luck at a track that has both haunted and rewarded him over the years.
With Ferrari debuting a long-awaited rear suspension upgrade and championship margins razor-thin, Spa is shaping up to be more than just another race - it could be a turning point.
In this article, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo dives into what this race weekend could hold for the seven-time world champion and Ferrari.
Hamilton’s complex history with Spa
Spa-Francorchamps is a place of contrast for Lewis Hamilton.
On one hand, he holds the highest number of wins at the circuit among current drivers, with five victories. This puts him level with the legendary Ayrton Senna and just one win behind Michael Schumacher, who leads the all-time tally with six Belgian GP triumphs.
On the other hand, Spa is also where Hamilton has suffered more retirements than at any other track. Out of the 38 circuits he has competed on since debuting in 2007, it is in Belgium that he has logged five DNFs - his highest at a single venue.
That said, when Hamilton does manage to finish a race at Spa, his performance is nothing short of elite. His average finishing position at the 7.004-kilometer track stands at an impressive 2.23.
This figure surpasses even his stats at Silverstone, where he has won nine times, and other strongholds like the Hungaroring and Montreal.
Among his 13 finishes at Spa, Hamilton has reached the podium on 11 occasions, making the circuit one of his most successful when the checkered flag falls in his favour.
Last year, he notched his final win for Mercedes at Spa, capitalising on a disqualification that knocked team-mate George Russell off the podium.
That victory underscored Hamilton’s ability to maximise opportunities when they arise, even under chaotic circumstances.
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A dry spell and the need for momentum
Despite his pedigree, Hamilton enters this weekend in need of a result. His failure to make the podium at Silverstone extended his current drought to 14 consecutive Sunday races without a top-three finish.
His last appearance on the podium was at the 2024 Las Vegas GP, where he secured second place behind Russell.
For a driver of Hamilton’s calibre, this run is far from typical and has only intensified the scrutiny around his transition to Ferrari.
However, there is room for optimism.
Ferrari is rolling out a significant technical upgrade in Belgium, introducing a revised rear suspension system that has been in testing since the British Grand Prix.
Both Hamilton and team-mate Charles Leclerc evaluated the new setup during a session at Mugello, with early signs pointing to enhanced ride height flexibility and improved ground-effect downforce.
Ferrari’s litmus test
For Ferrari, the Belgian GP is not just another weekend - it is a critical benchmark for what remains of the season.
While the Scuderia has managed to stay second in the Constructors’ Championship, they have yet to claim a win and have only four podium finishes so far. Expectations have fallen short, especially considering last season's tightly contested battles with McLaren.
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has called Spa a “litmus test” for the Italian outfit. The upgrade to the SF-25 is being viewed as a potential game-changer.
With only one practice session due to the sprint format, Ferrari’s task will be to extract maximum value from the new components immediately.
Vasseur emphasised the importance of a clean and productive start to the weekend, noting how close the performance margins between teams have become.
Vasseur also acknowledged the unique variables Spa presents, including its rapidly changing weather.
Rain is always a wildcard at this circuit, and success often hinges on how well teams adapt to evolving conditions.
That adaptability, combined with the performance boost expected from the new suspension, could finally put Ferrari in a position to challenge for a win - a goal that has eluded them throughout the current campaign.
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Looking ahead
As the sport prepares for its final double-header before the summer break, Spa offers Hamilton a prime chance to silence doubters and reestablish his presence at the front of the grid.
It also gives Ferrari a platform to prove their development efforts are bearing fruit.
If the new upgrade delivers as hoped, and if Hamilton can shake off the misfortunes that have plagued him at this venue, the weekend could mark a resurgence for both driver and team.
In a season where every detail matters, and with championship contenders separated by narrow margins, the Belgian GP is set to deliver a crucial chapter in the unfolding 2025 F1 story.
For Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari, it may be the moment where performance finally catches up with potential.
