Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc said Mercedes are the favorites for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix.
The assessment comes as the Formula 1 circuit prepares for the race at Spa-Francorchamps. Leclerc's comments highlight the ongoing struggle for Ferrari to consistently challenge the current season leader on high-speed tracks.
Leclerc made the statement Thursday, July 16, ahead of the Sunday race. He said the sustained performance of the Mercedes team is the primary reason for their advantage in Belgium.
Mercedes has maintained a strong grip on the championship this year, winning five of the seven races held so far [1]. This level of dominance has placed them as the team to beat in nearly every session this season.
Despite the outlook for the Belgian race, Ferrari has shown signs of closing the gap. The team has won two of the last three races [2], a trend that suggests a shift in momentum as the season progresses.
However, the specific characteristics of the Spa-Francorchamps circuit often favor the aerodynamic efficiency and power delivery that Mercedes has perfected in the 2026 technical regulations. Leclerc's admission reflects a realistic view of the technical landscape facing the grid this weekend.
Ferrari will look to leverage its recent form to disrupt the Mercedes streak. While the data favors the Silver Arrows, the recent win rate for the Italian squad indicates they are the most viable threat to a Mercedes podium sweep.
“Mercedes are the favourites for the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix”
Leclerc's admission underscores a critical tension in the current F1 season: while Mercedes holds the statistical advantage in total wins, Ferrari is currently on a stronger upward trajectory. The Belgian Grand Prix serves as a litmus test to determine if Ferrari's recent surge is a sustainable trend or if Mercedes' fundamental car superiority remains insurmountable at high-speed circuits.
