Ferrari believes its encouraging performance at the British Grand Prix could translate into another competitive weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, with the team’s aerodynamic efficiency and superior energy management offering a potential advantage over Mercedes despite an apparent power deficit.
Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc remained competitive with Mercedes throughout the Silverstone weekend, raising hopes that Ferrari can continue closing the gap at the Belgian Grand Prix.
The Italian team surprised many in the Formula 1 paddock by matching Mercedes far more closely than expected at Silverstone. Hamilton finished second in the sprint behind former Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli, while Ferrari consistently demonstrated race pace capable of challenging the championship leaders.
Ferrari’s energy management proved decisive at Silverstone
According to our analysis, Ferrari’s biggest advantage was not outright engine performance but how efficiently the SF-26 managed its hybrid energy deployment.
Silverstone places significant demands on battery harvesting and deployment, and Ferrari reportedly spent considerably less time in the “clipping” phase than Mercedes. Clipping occurs when the available electrical energy has been exhausted, leaving the internal combustion engine to provide the majority of the car’s acceleration.
By remaining outside this phase for longer, Ferrari was able to deploy electric power more effectively at key points throughout the lap, helping Hamilton and Leclerc stay within touching distance of Mercedes despite the W17’s superior straight-line performance.
Aerodynamic efficiency could be equally valuable at Spa
Ferrari’s lower-drag aerodynamic package is believed to have reduced the amount of electrical assistance required to achieve competitive lap times.
With less drag to overcome, the SF-26 consumes less hybrid energy over a lap, allowing more electrical power to remain available during crucial acceleration zones. Although Mercedes is still considered to possess the stronger power unit, Ferrari’s more efficient overall package reduced that advantage at Silverstone.
That characteristic could become especially important at Spa-Francorchamps, where long acceleration zones and heavy energy recovery areas place a premium on efficient hybrid deployment.
The Belgian circuit features multiple opportunities for energy harvesting, including the run from Raidillon to Les Combes and the section from Stavelot through Blanchimont into the Bus Stop chicane. The flowing middle sector, featuring Rivage, Pouhon and Fagnes, also tests a car’s balance while simultaneously demanding efficient battery management.
Hamilton and Leclerc face a different challenge in Belgium
While Ferrari’s efficiency may offer an advantage, the team still expects Mercedes to enjoy superior top speed on Spa’s long straights.
Hamilton has previously warned that “reliability wins titles, not speed,” highlighting the importance of consistency across the championship rather than outright pace at individual circuits.
Ferrari was also encouraged by the way the SF-26 managed tyre degradation at Silverstone. Despite the high-speed direction changes placing significant stress on the tyres, the car maintained good balance throughout the race, helping limit graining and excessive wear.
The team hopes those characteristics will again prove beneficial in Belgium, particularly during the closing stages of the race when tyre degradation and efficient energy deployment often become decisive.
Why the Belgian Grand Prix matters
Mercedes arrives at Spa with momentum after establishing itself as the benchmark team in recent races, but Ferrari believes Silverstone demonstrated that the gap is no longer insurmountable.
Hamilton and Leclerc will need to maximise every opportunity if Ferrari is to remain within striking distance throughout the race. Should the SF-26 once again prove more efficient in managing its hybrid energy than the Mercedes W17, Ferrari could find itself in contention for another strong result at one of Formula 1’s most demanding circuits.
Whether that is enough to fight for victory remains to be seen, but Silverstone suggested Ferrari has found genuine performance gains rather than producing a one-off result.
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