Despite lagging behind Mercedes in pace, Lewis Hamilton remains optimistic about Ferrari's ability to close the gap at the Belgian Grand Prix. He admitted that the speed deficit recorded on Friday at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit was greater than the team expected.
The seven-time world champion felt his Ferrari car on Friday and remained encouraged, although he noted that significant work still needs to be done before qualifying. Hamilton stated: 'We definitely need to work tonight. The gap is bigger than we anticipated, but I think we can take positive takeaways from today.'
Mercedes set a high bar during the practice sessions, led by their champion Kimi Antonelli. Nevertheless, Hamilton is convinced that there is sufficient performance reserve in the Ferrari car that can be unlocked. He explained that the car 'didn't feel bad,' adding that they would analyze all the data throughout the evening, hoping to achieve progress the next day.
Ferrari has shown encouraging results in recent races, securing several podium finishes, including Hamilton's debut victory of the season. These achievements have strengthened the belief that the team is capable of consistently competing for the lead. Hamilton believes that Friday's results do not reflect Ferrari's true potential, emphasizing that 'Friday is for learning.'
The Spa-Francorchamps circuit is known as one of the fastest and most demanding in the Formula 1 calendar, placing high demands on aerodynamic efficiency and driver confidence in high-speed corners. Hamilton expresses hope that Ferrari can make the necessary improvements before qualifying. He stated: 'We will work hard tonight and try to close the gap. I believe there is more performance in the car, and I hope we can show it tomorrow.'
Although the British driver is hopeful, currently, Ferrari's raw speed is what sets them apart from Mercedes on Sunday. If the team manages to extract additional power from the SF26, it could significantly help the veteran fight for a second victory of the season.
British driver Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) secured pole position for the Formula 1 British Grand Prix sprint race, which is held at Silverstone circuit, the ninth race of the season.
After celebrating the result on the monolith amidst applause from British fans, Hamilton stated: 'I like this place, I like this crowd, and I cannot express how big this dream is.'
Antonelli, who currently leads the World Championship, finished second. Charles Leclerc, Hamilton's teammate at Ferrari, finished fourth, behind Verstappen.
British driver George Russell (Mercedes), winner of the Austrian Grand Prix last week, could not advance past fifth place. He was overtaken by McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who took sixth and seventh places, respectively, in their characteristic green and white livery.
The qualifying session was marked by the drivers' adaptation to the new energy management system of the 2026 specification monoliths. This system proved particularly demanding at Silverstone—a track with fast corners and long straights, where cars find it harder to recover electrical charge.
Hamilton, who has won at Silverstone nine times—more than any other driver at this track—had previously warned that the British track would present unprecedented challenges regarding electrical power usage.
The Ferrari driver noted: 'This will be the most unprecedented weekend in terms of energy usage,' explaining that drivers will have to lift off the throttle in areas where they traditionally drove at the limit to ensure battery recovery.
The Briton acknowledged that iconic sections such as Copse, Maggotts, and Becketts might feel 'completely different' due to the need for energy saving and regeneration on a track usually associated with maximum speed and aerodynamic performance.
Despite the anticipated difficulties, Hamilton proved to be the driver best adapted to the new requirements, after leading the sole free practice session held on Friday.
The sprint race will take place on Saturday, the fourth of the season, and qualifying for the main race will be held on Sunday.
Kimmy Antonelli enters this round as the World Champion leader with 171 points, 40 points more than Russell, who has 131 points. Lewis Hamilton is in third place with 125 points.
