The Grand Prix F1 Belgium 2025 mark the real turning point of the season for the Scuderia Ferrari ? After a lacklustre first half of the championship, the Scuderia arrives at Spa-Francorchamps with a crucial new feature, which was discreetly tested at Mugello and is now being deployed in real-life conditions. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will be the first to validate it on one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.
A development months in the making
As early as March, Maranello engineers had identified a persistent Achilles heel on the SF-25 Aerodynamic instability due to an overly sensitive flat bottom, amplified by a rear suspension that fails to manage ride height effectively.
After a new flat-bottom design introduced at the Austrian GPFerrari is now concentrating on another major project: overhauling the rear suspension. A test was carried out on July 17 at Mugelloon the second filming day of the season. Leclerc made short runs in the morning, while Hamilton put in longer stints in the afternoon. An in-house validation, before the reality check at Spa.
What we know about this evolution
Officially, Ferrari remains discreet. But the images and technical information that have filtered through show a key modification: a lowered and advanced upper wishbone anchoring point, profoundly modifying the suspension kinematics. The aim is clear: to limit pitch and dive variations, stabilize the aerodynamic platform and make full use of the new flat bottom.
This geometry, inspired by solutions seen at Mercedes and McLaren, should enable the SF-25 to offer more downforce at low speeds, while reducing wear on the flat bottom. It could also be accompanied by new, more powerful shock absorbers, to better control the single-seater's vertical movements.
A demanding circuit for a decisive test
Spa-Francorchamps was not chosen at random. With its 7 kilometers of fast curves, heavy braking and changing gradients, it's a veritable justice of the peace. The circuit has recently been resurfaced and the gravel traps are back: any mistake will be paid for in cash. And the capricious weather could also muddy the waters... and make testing even shorter.
The challenge is all the greater as this weekend follows the Sprint format. Ferrari will have just one free practice session (Friday at 12:30 p.m.) to validate the settings of this new architecture. This will be followed by Sprint qualifying, the Sprint race, qualifying and finally the Grand Prix on Sunday at 3:00 pm.
Last cartridge before the 2026 switchover?
Behind the scenes, Frédéric Vasseur motivated his troops: "Every detail counts, and at Spa, everything can come down to a single session. We're concentrating solely on ourselves." The ambition is clear: to use this development as leverage to get closer to McLaren... and outrun Mercedes before resources are redirected to the 2026 project.
The suspension tested this weekend could therefore symbolize more than just a technical adjustment: it could prove, before the summer break, that Scuderia Ferrari is capable of reacting, and learn from the experience to make a better start to 2026.
📅 2025 Belgian GP calendar :
- Friday, July 25 Free practice 1 (12:30 p.m.), Sprint qualifying (4:30 p.m.)
- Saturday, July 26th Sprint race (12h00), Qualifying (16h00)
- Sunday, July 27 Race at 3:00 p.m.
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