Charles Leclerc delivered a strong and somewhat unexpected third-place result in Qualifying for the 2025 F1 Belgian GP. Ferrari had introduced an upgrade package for the Spa-Francorchamps weekend, but the performance gains were uncertain heading into Saturday. Leclerc’s lap, however, demonstrated the potential of the SF-25 and placed him behind only the two McLarens, confirming a solid effort from both the driver and the team.
A lap that exceeded expectations
Speaking to the media after the session, Charles Leclerc acknowledged that his third-place result in Qualifying had exceeded his own expectations. While Ferrari had introduced an upgrade package for the 2025 F1 Belgian GP, the early signs from practice on Friday had not suggested they would be in the mix for the top three. The balance of the car was not ideal, and the team had been trying to understand how to make the most of the new components. Given that context, Leclerc’s performance in Qualifying came as something of a surprise.
“Not really [I did not see it coming]. I mean, I am very happy today. It is strange to say that because it is still three tenths and it is only a third place, but I did not expect it.”
Leclerc elaborated on how the team approached the session despite limited confidence in the car’s competitiveness. While simulations and data had suggested there was more performance to unlock with the upgrades, it had not translated clearly into the Friday running and the earlier Saturday Sprint Race.
“We thought we were quite a lot more back. We knew that we had something more in the car obviously with the upgrade this weekend, but we still struggled yesterday.”
Despite those challenges, Leclerc managed to extract the most from the SF-24 when it mattered. He highlighted the quality of his lap and the satisfaction of seeing the team’s small adjustments pay off in time for Qualifying.
“But that was a really, really good lap. I am very happy with the lap, very happy how the car felt. So, it is good that we put everything together for Quali.”
This result provided a confidence boost heading into the race, showing that Ferrari’s upgrade direction may be more promising than initially believed.
Small changes yield solid results
While some teams might have looked to make significant setup changes following Friday’s practice sessions, Charles Leclerc explained that Ferrari chose a different path for their approach to Qualifying. Rather than overhauling the car’s configuration, the team focused on fine-tuning and making small, precise adjustments. T
Leclerc highlighted that the changes implemented were subtle rather than sweeping. The emphasis was on building confidence and consistency in the car’s performance rather than pursuing drastic modifications that might unsettle the balance.
“No. I mean, obviously it takes a little bit of time to maximise those upgrades that we put on the car. So, there were a few things that we have changed, but nothing major. It was all about putting everything together and I felt comfortable with the car since FP1.”
He added that this measured approach paid dividends in Qualifying, allowing him to deliver a lap without any compromises.
“So, it is good to have a Qualifying where you look back and you know you have not left anything on the table.”
This steady progression suggested that Ferrari’s development strategy was focused on gradual but reliable gains rather than quick fixes.
Focus shifts to race performance
Starting from the second row provides Charles Leclerc with a solid platform for the race, but it also presents its own set of challenges. Directly behind him is Max Verstappen, a driver known for his aggressive racecraft and strong pace over long runs. Verstappen’s performance during the Sprint race earlier in the weekend was particularly noteworthy, as his consistent speed put pressure on the field and highlighted the strength of his race pace.
Leclerc acknowledged the difficulty of matching that pace over race distance. He said, “I don’t know yet. For sure the race pace looked very strong this morning. I couldn’t keep up with them.”
Despite this, he remains hopeful that the small changes Ferrari have made will provide some advantage when it really matters.
“But again, with the small changes we’ve done, I hope that this gives us the upper hand tomorrow in the main race.”
While Qualifying performance is important, Leclerc is aware that the true test will be managing the race itself. Over the course of the season, Ferrari’s tyre performance has been inconsistent, especially during longer stints, which complicates efforts to maintain track position.
Upgrade expectations tempered
Ferrari’s development of the SF-25 throughout the season has faced considerable scrutiny, with the team under pressure to deliver meaningful improvements amid a fiercely competitive field. The upgrade package introduced at Spa-Francorchamps was widely viewed as a critical step in addressing some of the team’s ongoing performance challenges. Leclerc spoke candidly about the team’s internal expectations and how they measured up against reality after qualifying.
“Quite big. I think we expected to be P4, but with a significant gap in front. At the end, the gap is still significant, but a little bit less than what we initially expected, so that is positive.”
Leclerc emphasised that although the upgrade package had shown effectiveness, it required further refinement and fine-tuning to extract maximum performance.
“We brought upgrades this weekend which have been working since the beginning, but we had to do some fine tunings from yesterday to today. It is going in the right direction, so I am very happy. I think it was also a really good lap.”
Leclerc’s comments highlight the iterative nature of F1 development, where improvements often come in increments rather than wholesale transformations. He also provided insight into his own role in extracting the car’s potential during qualifying, signalling satisfaction with how he was able to optimise the package on offer.
“I do not think I left much on the table with the potential we had today, so for that, I am happy as well. However, it is only P3, so now we will see what we can do tomorrow.”
Relative progress amid tight field
Leclerc was then asked whether the gains from the upgrade could significantly alter Ferrari’s competitiveness. His answer was realistic, especially in the context of what rival teams had also introduced in Belgium.
“A little bit. But then I think as always, especially for our team, everything is hyped up a lot. Yes, it is an upgrade and it is a step in the right direction, but we are still speaking about very fine differences over a whole lap. So, it feels a little bit different, and it is going in the right direction. Again, that is thanks to the hard work that the whole team has done back at the factory.”
While Ferrari have improved, so too have their rivals. McLaren, in particular, have looked strong, and any gains Ferrari make are often immediately matched elsewhere. The margins in modern F1 are fine, and Leclerc remains realistic about what can be achieved in the short term.
“Unfortunately for us, McLaren has also brought a few things this weekend and seem to have done a small step in the right direction as well. So, it is very difficult to close the gap. But I think we are doing a good job as a team and we just need to keep working.”
Looking toward the rest of the season
Leclerc’s performance during the 2025 F1 Belgian GP weekend prompted questions about whether the recent upgrades had boosted his confidence for the rest of the season, especially given Ferrari’s current deficit to McLaren. His response conveyed a nuanced view, recognising progress while maintaining a realistic perspective on the challenges ahead.
“Yes and no,” Leclerc said. “I think it is definitely going in the right direction once again as I was saying. However, compared to the McLaren, I think we are probably on average three or four tenths behind in Qualifying.”
This response acknowledges the incremental gains Ferrari have made but also highlights the persistent gap that remains. The improvements introduced at Spa offered tangible benefits but did not bridge the full distance to their nearest rivals.
“We will do a step forward. I do not think though that we will find those three or four tenths in that upgrade. But it will help us to get closer. The more we use it, the more we will be able to maximise this and there will be some more potential to gain. But no, I do not think it is enough to be able to challenge the McLaren consistently from now on.”
Leclerc’s assessment emphasises that while the upgrade is a positive development, it represents part of an ongoing process rather than a definitive solution. The focus will be on extracting maximum value from the current package and continuing development to close the gap as the season progresses.
A more predictable car
Finally, Leclerc commented on the behaviour of the car since the changes were introduced. For a driver who values precision, the feedback seemed slightly more positive than in recent rounds.
“It is a little bit better. I think that is what helped me also a little bit this weekend to be a bit more consistent. The lap times in Qualifying, both yesterday in Sprint Qualifying and today, came together a bit easier. That has been my strength normally, but this year I have been struggling a little bit more to put everything together in Qualifying.”
He offered a note of caution, acknowledging that Spa’s conditions may have helped mask underlying issues.
“This weekend seems to be better, but we just need to prove that over multiple race weekends because it is also… I mean, the grip this weekend here is incredible. There is so much grip – but that is not only for us, but I also think for everybody. Generally, this makes it easier. So, we will have to prove that on a track that is a bit trickier.”
Wet weather remains an unknown
With Spa’s reputation for unpredictable weather, Leclerc was asked how he and the car might handle wet conditions if they arose on Sunday during the 2025 F1 Belgian GP race. His response was measured and suggested caution based on recent experiences.
“Wet weather, we were speaking about it in the last race weekend. I do not think it is a strength for our car at the moment. We are really struggling. But having said that, every weekend is different. We will learn from the past and see what is possible tomorrow. I will only be able to tell after the first few laps to see where we are. But I will try to look forward before looking in mirrors.”
