Charles Leclerc hints Ferrari could be in for ‘incredibly difficult’ Belgian Grand Prix with major issue unsolved

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Ferrari arrive at the Belgian Grand Prix under the weight of fresh expectation. Their hopes in the second half of the season could hinge on their new rear suspension.

Ferrari have now switched off 2025 development, but there’s optimism that the new design could see them win races. While both championships are already out of reach, some optimism can still be salvaged.

The Scuderia used one of their allocated filming days to test the upgrade at Mugello last week. That reflects the significance of this development, with both Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton involved.

What’s more, a positive outcome could help team principal Fred Vasseur secure a contract extension. His current deal runs out at the end of the season.

Wet weather could wreck Charles Leclerc’s Belgian Grand Prix hopes

Speaking in his media session before the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, Leclerc tried to sound positive. He took his first-ever F1 victory at this circuit in 2019.

The Monegasque has also started from pole on his last two visits to Spa, albeit after penalties for Max Verstappen. He finished both races in third place.

However, rain is forecast for this weekend. While Friday and Saturday should be dry, showers are expected on race day.

Leclerc endured a miserable British GP in changeable conditions, crossing the line in a season-low P14. He says Ferrari still haven’t found a fix for the car’s erratic handling in wet weather.

“I’m feeling good,” he said. “There are some weekends that are ‘off’ during a season, and Silverstone was one of them. As a team we are trying to turn things around in wet weather, as our car is incredibly difficult to drive in those conditions.

“There is a lot of work in the background to try and turn the situation around. But it is a good track here, I love it and I’ve had a reasonable amount of success here.”

Lewis Hamilton understands why Ferrari haven’t won the title for so long

Meanwhile, Hamilton says he’s been sending the team feedback documents during his first season. He wants to put his own imprint on Ferrari, where Leclerc has raced for the last seven seasons.

Their drivers’ championship drought will reach an 18th year, but Hamilton remains sure that he can be the man to end it. Though his results have improved recently, Leclerc has clearly been the quicker of the two so far.

Hamilton says Ferrari haven’t been ‘firing on all cylinders’, which is why they’ve underachieved. Vasseur knew he was signing a superstar who would drive up standards.

The seven-time world champion won this race last season after Mercedes teammate George Russell was disqualified for breaching the weight limit. That remains his most recent victory.