Hamilton Tells Ferrari to Do 'Better Job' as FIA Confirms Engine Penalty Rules

Lewis Hamilton has told Ferrari to do a "better job" as he targets his first Belgian Grand Prix win since his 2024 Mercedes triumph. The call comes alongside FIA confirmation that engine penalty leniency will survive Formula 1's sweeping 2026 regulation changes.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's blunt message reflects the growing urgency at Maranello to convert recent promise into consistent victories after Charles Leclerc's British Grand Prix breakthrough. Preserving the extra power unit component allowance offers teams vital strategic flexibility during the risky transition to 2026's new engine era, directly influencing how aggressively manufacturers can push reliability boundaries.

The details:

• Hamilton's demand: Eyeing his maiden Spa win for Ferrari, Hamilton has challenged the team to step up following his last Belgian victory coming with Mercedes in 2024.
• Leclerc's composure: Despite ending a lengthy win drought at Silverstone, Leclerc insists he is not getting "carried away" and has issued strict self-instructions to maintain focus.
• Penalty continuity: The FIA confirmed to RacingNews365 that the allowance for one additional engine component per element will remain intact beyond the 2026 rule changes.
• Alonso out for FP1: Aston Martin will hand its first practice session at Spa to a rookie, meaning Fernando Alonso will sit out the opening running of the weekend.

What's next:

The grid heads to Spa-Francorchamps with Ferrari managing tension between Hamilton's attacking mindset and Leclerc's steady approach. Teams must also factor the confirmed engine penalty continuity into long-term reliability strategies as the sport edges closer to the 2026 power unit overhaul.