Vasseur: We worked hard on Ferrari SF-25 upgrade package for Spa

“The Belgian Grand Prix is the first leg of the final double-header before the summer break. We have worked hard at the factory to bring an additional upgrade package for the SF-25. Therefore, a point of focus this weekend will be to make sure we maximise its potential from the get-go, Ferrari F1 team boss Vasseur said in his preview of the weekend ahead.

The Scuderia face a demanding challenge at Spa, which retains its reputation as one of Formula 1’s most complete and technically taxing circuits. At 7.004 kilometres, it is the longest track on the calendar, with high-speed sectors, heavy braking zones and a wide variety of corners that test aerodynamic balance, grip and driver precision.

Vasseur underlined the importance of execution in a Sprint weekend: “As always with a Sprint weekend, getting off to a strong start with a smooth free practice session will hold the key to the rest of the weekend."

"The margins between the teams are very close at the moment, therefore every small detail can make the difference, so we’ll stay focused on ourselves to give our best in every phase of the weekend, on a track where the weather could also play its part," added Vasseur.

Ferrari’s latest development push comes at a critical stage of the 2025 campaign, with the Belgian Grand Prix marking the third Sprint event of the season. There will be just one hour of free practice on Friday at 12:30 CEST before Sprint Qualifying sets the grid for Saturday’s 15-lap race at 12:00. Teams then enter a reset phase ahead of Grand Prix qualifying at 16:30, with Sunday’s 44-lap race beginning at 15:00.

Spa’s layout places unique stresses on the car: two sectors require prolonged full-throttle running, placing a premium on power unit efficiency, while the sinuous middle sector demands mechanical grip and aerodynamic consistency. Tyre management is also crucial, with forces exceeding 5G in lateral corners and multiple heavy braking points.

Complicating matters further is Spa’s notoriously volatile weather. Rain can sweep in suddenly, often affecting only parts of the circuit, turning each session into a strategic puzzle. As Ferrari seek to close the gap to their front-running rivals, every decision made across the weekend could prove pivotal.

After 12 Rounds of the 2025 F1 season, Leclerc and Hamilton have experienced a mixed campaign. Leclerc holds 5th in the Drivers’ Championship with 119 points, narrowly ahead of Hamilton in 6th with 103 points.

Leclerc’s highlights include podiums in Saudi Arabia and Monaco, showcasing strong race pace, while Hamilton’s standout moment was a China Sprint victory. However, Ferrari’s season has been marred by disappointments, notably a double disqualification in China due to a technical infringement, hampering their Constructors’ Championship hopes.

Ferrari sits fourth, trailing McLaren by 238 points. Both drivers have struggled with qualifying, with Leclerc often outpacing Hamilton but failing to convert strong starts into wins. The seven-time F1 World Champion, adapting to Ferrari’s car, has shown flashes of brilliance but lacks consistency.

The team’s upgrades have been hit-or-miss, with the troublesome SF-25 car competitive but not championship-contending. Leclerc remains optimistic about closing the gap, while Hamilton focuses on refining his setup for better results in upcoming races.