1996 F1 world champion Damon Hill believes Ferrari’s efficiency on the Belgian Grand Prix was “encouraging” after introducing their newest improve.
Ferrari launched a brand new rear suspension improve for the race at Spa-Francorchamps.
It allowed Charles Leclerc to select up his fifth podium of the yr, beating Max Verstappen to 3rd place on Sunday.
It was a shock as Leclerc completed nicely behind the main trio within the dash race.
Talking on the BBC’s Chequered Flag podcast, Hill felt Ferrari’s improve “clearly” had an influence.
“I believe so. I believe it’s encouraging,” Hill stated. “They’ve made some modifications that Lewis didn’t appear to really feel made any distinction. They’ve accomplished one thing to the rear suspension.
“Clearly the Ferrari was just a little bit higher. The actual fact it certified up there in third and just a little bit nearer to McLarens than perhaps up to now ought to be encouraging for them nevertheless it’s such a troublesome automotive. You’ll be able to inform. They’re not comfy these guys.
“You’ll put cash on Max getting by means of. He did a incredible job there within the Ferrari. He might use that automotive to maintain himself forward of Max.”
Hamilton’s final tempo unclear
It was a tougher weekend for Lewis Hamilton on the opposite aspect of the Ferrari storage.
The seven-time world champion did not progress past Q1 in both qualifying session.
Nonetheless, a well timed swap onto the intermediates propelled Hamilton up the order into seventh.
Williams’ Alex Albon halted Hamilton’s progress past seventh.
Nonetheless, it was a powerful restoration drive by Hamilton, who began from the pit lane.
“Lewis, I believe as soon as he received into the groove with it he might do one thing with that automotive,” Hill added. “He was unlucky he didn’t get by means of to Q3. We by no means actually noticed his final tempo.
“Charles might maintain forward of Purple Bull, although. That’s a Purple Bull with upgrades with Max Verstappen driving at Spa.”