Hamilton makes a comeback on the track as his off-track presence becomes more prominent.

      "I drive, indeed, but I engage in much more."

      Lewis Hamilton achieved a notable result at Spa following a disappointing start to the weekend with Ferrari - yet his impact off the track may have been even more significant. The seven-time world champion surged from the back to finish seventh in a rainy Belgian GP, despite difficulties with Ferrari’s revamped rear suspension, which his teammate Charles Leclerc successfully handled to secure a podium finish. "I’m very relieved that I was able to perform in the race as I expect from myself," Hamilton remarked. "The first two days here were subpar, but fortunately the third day somewhat made up for that disappointment. I grew up in the rain and came to love racing on wet surfaces."

      Team principal Frederic Vasseur praised the 40-year-old’s "aggressive" driving style but humorously noted about the final phase: "I think we could have participated in the 24 Hours of Spa and still stayed behind (Alex) Albon." After publicly apologizing post-qualifying, Hamilton continued to take accountability. "I would like to apologize again to the fans. However, I’m feeling positive. We scored a significant number of points, particularly against Mercedes, and I’ve gained a deeper understanding of all the enhancements to the Ferrari."

      This result unfolded amidst a more personal weekend for Hamilton, who shared several Instagram stories regarding the crisis in Gaza. Advocating for a ceasefire and amplifying the messages of UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and medical aid organizations, Hamilton stated: "The silence and inaction from the global community will be evaluated by future generations. Those in power must do everything possible to put an end to this suffering, and they must act immediately."

      In a conversation with RTBF, Hamilton reflected on the significance of driving for Ferrari: "I love wearing red. I still find it hard to believe. I think, ‘I’m driving for Ferrari.’ It’s incredible." He acknowledged that the experience has been more intense than he anticipated. "I expected energy, but this - it’s even more intense than I envisioned."

      Hamilton also candidly discussed the personal sacrifices of his career, expressing that he made a deliberate choice to concentrate solely on performance. "I want to avoid any regrets. For the last decade, I’ve concentrated on my health, my well-being, my mental health, and my driving skills." However, remaining silent does not align with his character. "I’m sometimes told, ‘Just drive.’ But that’s not who I am," the Briton shared. "I drive, yes, but I also do more - I can enter the right discussions and tackle tough conversations. That’s in my nature."