In a season that’s already been filled with remarkable performances, Lewis Hamilton delivered one of his finest yet.

At the Belgian Grand Prix, he started from the pit lane and proceeded to deliver a stunning recovery drive that had fans buzzing and pundits applauding.

It wasn’t just about the overtakes, the strategy, or even the pace—it was a masterclass in resilience, precision, and composure.

Yet, despite the spectacle, Ferrari’s response was almost nonchalant, raising an important question: why did the seven-time world champion’s performance go largely unacknowledged within the Ferrari camp?

The Belgian GP: A Tale of Two Performances

The Belgian Grand Prix weekend saw contrasting performances from Ferrari’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Leclerc, who started in third place, secured a podium finish with a well-executed race that was devoid of major mistakes but also lacked the drama or flair that tends to grab headlines. Ferrari’s response to his performance was immediately visible—team photos, social media shoutouts, and analysis of his race were all part of a well-orchestrated celebration.

On the other hand, Hamilton’s race was something entirely different. Starting from the pit lane after a disastrous qualifying session—where he was knocked out in Q1, an almost unthinkable result for a driver of his stature—Hamilton’s race became a demonstration of just how brilliant he can be when everything clicks. Despite his challenging starting position, Hamilton moved through the field with methodical precision, delivering overtakes with such control that it felt like he was orchestrating each move with surgical focus. Fans voted him the driver of the day by a landslide, but within the Ferrari camp, there was nothing more than a muted acknowledgment.

The Setup Drama: Ferrari’s Mistakes

Hamilton’s struggles in qualifying weren’t due to a lack of skill or focus—they were the result of a car that wasn’t properly set up. Ferrari had made a last-minute decision to fit an untested component onto Hamilton’s car, one that completely ruined the balance of the SF25. The car became unpredictable in corners, and the rear end was unstable. Hamilton voiced his concerns about the setup during the practice sessions on Friday, yet his feedback was ignored. He warned the team about the flaws, but Ferrari pushed ahead with their own plans.

The situation seemed like a lost cause by the end of qualifying. With Hamilton set to start from the pit lane, it was clear that his hopes for a strong result were slim. Meanwhile, Leclerc had qualified in third place and was poised for a solid race. It wasn’t ideal for Hamilton, but it was a challenge he would take on headfirst.

Ferrari’s Response: A Missed Opportunity

After Hamilton’s poor qualifying performance, Ferrari’s technical team worked tirelessly through the night to rebuild the car. They removed the problematic component and made adjustments to the setup, including changes to the ride height and rear damping. These were precisely the changes Hamilton had been asking for during the earlier sessions. Finally, the car was drivable.

But what’s fascinating here is that the setup Ferrari eventually implemented was the exact setup Hamilton had been advocating for all along. This was no coincidence; the car came alive on Sunday because the team finally listened to their driver’s feedback. Hamilton, now in a more comfortable and balanced car, embarked on his recovery mission.

Leclerc’s Solid Performance vs. Hamilton’s Heroic Drive

The race itself saw two very different approaches from the Ferrari camp. Leclerc held onto his third-place starting position, finishing on the podium with a steady, calculated drive. It was a textbook performance: no mistakes, no unnecessary risks, and no surprises. It was the kind of performance Ferrari knew they could count on, and the team celebrated it as such.

But the real magic happened further down the grid. Starting from the pit lane, Hamilton launched into a recovery drive that was nothing short of extraordinary. One by one, he picked off competitors with precision and calmness that only a driver of his experience and caliber can execute. There were no wild lunges, no frantic battles—just clean passes and perfect exits. It wasn’t chaotic; it was deliberate and thoughtful. By the end of the race, Hamilton had overtaken more drivers than anyone else on the grid.

As fans worldwide celebrated Hamilton’s performance, Ferrari’s response was almost completely silent. The team radio was quiet, not because they weren’t impressed, but because they didn’t expect Hamilton to do what he did. They weren’t guiding him through the race; they were simply watching him perform, unable to offer the kind of assistance they would normally provide their drivers.

The Silent Treatment: What It Reveals

What makes Ferrari’s reaction even more telling is that the team’s response to Hamilton’s performance was starkly different from the celebration of Leclerc’s podium. Leclerc’s result was celebrated with team photos, social media posts, and a deep dive into his race analysis. On the other hand, Hamilton’s heroic comeback was acknowledged with a brief, routine post on Ferrari’s official channels and little else.

This treatment wasn’t a mere oversight; it highlighted something deeper about Ferrari’s mindset and priorities. One driver’s performance was lauded with public praise, while the other was relegated to the sidelines, despite putting on one of the most remarkable performances of the season. The question becomes: why?

A Disconnect: Trust vs. Preference

The answer likely lies in Ferrari’s broader approach to their two drivers. Leclerc, despite his talent, has always been more consistent and predictable. He delivers solid results without much drama and remains a dependable figure for the team. Ferrari knows what to expect from him, and that’s valuable for a team aiming to build a championship.

Hamilton, however, is a different kind of driver. He’s a seven-time world champion, and his talent doesn’t just lie in delivering solid results—it’s in his ability to challenge the status quo, take risks, and turn disasters into triumphs. When Hamilton speaks, it’s not just about making suggestions—it’s about pushing the team forward and demanding accountability. This is where the tension within Ferrari lies.

While Leclerc may be the safe bet, Hamilton represents the high-risk, high-reward potential that can elevate the team to new heights. The issue, however, is that Ferrari doesn’t always seem willing to fully commit to Hamilton’s brilliance. Instead, they seem to prefer the predictability of Leclerc’s steady approach, even if that means missing out on the kind of performance Hamilton can deliver when he’s fully backed.

The Bigger Picture: Ferrari’s Struggle with Leadership

The Belgian Grand Prix wasn’t just about the results on track—it was about the deeper issue Ferrari faces as a team. They have two very different drivers, each with their own strengths and qualities. But the team’s reaction after the race revealed a larger problem: Ferrari is caught between two identities.

On one hand, they brought Hamilton in for his experience, leadership, and ability to win championships. On the other hand, they seem more comfortable with Leclerc’s safe, consistent approach. It’s clear that Ferrari values Hamilton’s brilliance, but they seem hesitant to fully trust him, especially when it comes to making decisions that could push the car—and the team—forward.

The Path Forward: Trusting Hamilton’s Judgment

So, what should Ferrari do? Should they continue to back Leclerc’s consistent approach, or should they fully commit to Hamilton’s high-risk, high-reward brilliance? This isn’t just a question about one race—it’s about the direction the team wants to go in. Do they want to play it safe, or do they want to win at the highest level?

Hamilton’s recovery drive at the Belgian Grand Prix should have been a turning point for Ferrari. It was a demonstration of what’s possible when they trust their driver’s judgment and let him lead. Until Ferrari fully commits to this, however, they may find themselves missing out on the kind of performances that can truly win championships.

As Hamilton himself said post-race, “This level of performance shouldn’t require a recovery.” The reality is, if Ferrari had just listened to him from the start, they might have been celebrating a podium, not just another solid finish. But until Ferrari decides to back their drivers fully, moments like these will remain the ones that got away.

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