Hamilton finds ‘seal the deal’ hope after major Mercedes change

Lewis Hamilton is hopeful a major change made by Mercedes ahead of qualifying will prove beneficial going into the Belgian Grand Prix.

Following a run of recent strong form, Mercedes found itself considerably off the pace in Friday’s two dry practice sessions at the Spa Francorchamps circuit.

The introduction of a new floor appeared to prove more of a hindrance than a help for the Silver Arrows, resulting in it being taken off overnight and a previous specification fitted, removing a possible variable for the lack of performance.

In wet conditions for qualifying, Hamilton revelled and will line up third on the grid behind polesitter Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez in his Red Bull.

Team-mate Max Verstappen set the fastest time but will start 11th due to him serving a 10-place penalty for taking a fifth internal combustion engine, beyond the permitted allocation.

With dry conditions forecast for the race, Hamilton has an eye on a top-three finish with the old floor in place but is mindful of those around him, including the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri directly behind, and a charging Verstappen forcing his way through.

“There’s a slight chance we could maybe fight for a podium,” said Hamilton. “But I think it’s going to be really tough.

“We’ve got the McLarens behind and a quick Red Bull ahead, and another quick Red Bull that’s going to come through, and the Ferrari is also just there with us in performance.”

Asked whether the floor change was a relief, he replied: “There’s no relief. It was a relief because it was raining, and we were a second off yesterday, so maybe it would have been seven-tenths off but we wouldn’t have been fighting for the top three.”

As to whether that is a concern with a dry race forecast, after an initial nod and a smile, he said: “Yep. The race pace is strong with the other guys.

“I’m hoping the changes we’ve made overnight maybe put us in a slightly better place, and it’s going to be how I drive it tomorrow that will really seal the deal or go backwards.”