🔥BREAKING: Lewis Hamilton’s first post-Imola GP comments made Ferrari feel ashamed for not trusting Hamilton “They’re already regretting it” 👇👇
The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola will be remembered as a pivotal moment in Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, who shocked the Formula 1 world by joining the iconic Italian team, delivered a performance that silenced doubters and sparked headlines. Starting from a disappointing 12th on the grid, Hamilton clawed his way to a stunning fourth-place finish, a result that not only showcased his skill but also exposed Ferrari’s initial lack of faith in their new driver. In the aftermath, Hamilton’s unfiltered comments over team radio and in post-race interviews have sent shockwaves through the paddock, leaving Ferrari to confront their own misjudgments.
The weekend at Imola began with frustration for Ferrari. Both Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc suffered a humiliating double elimination in Q2, failing to reach the top 10 in qualifying. Hamilton, visibly devastated, described the result as “heart-wrenching” and admitted to feeling “super gutted” about the team’s performance. The car, despite recent upgrades, struggled to find pace, and Hamilton openly questioned whether the setup was competitive enough. His words carried weight, reflecting not just disappointment but a determination to prove his worth. Ferrari’s loyal tifosi, filling the stands with a sea of red, were left longing for a performance worthy of their passion.
On race day, Hamilton delivered exactly that. His climb from 12th to fourth was a masterclass in strategy, pace, and resilience. While Leclerc struggled with tire management and finished further back, Hamilton capitalized on a long stint in clean air, showcasing the kind of racecraft that has defined his career. His team radio crackled with emotion as he crossed the line, with untelevised messages revealing his true feelings. “If we get that qualifying better, we’re right there,” he said, a pointed remark that hinted at Ferrari’s failure to optimize the car for Saturday’s session. The subtext was clear: Hamilton believed he could have fought for a podium, or even a win, had the team trusted his feedback earlier.
Ferrari’s qualifying woes were a stark contrast to their race-day recovery, and Hamilton’s performance laid bare the team’s underestimation of his adaptability. Sources close to the team suggest that Ferrari’s engineers had leaned heavily on Leclerc’s input during setup, sidelining Hamilton’s suggestions. This decision, rooted in Leclerc’s longer tenure with the team, backfired spectacularly. Hamilton’s ability to extract pace from a car that struggled in qualifying proved he was far from the “P7 or P8” driver he refused to be. His post-race comments were laced with both pride and frustration. “It was an incredible experience to drive in front of the tifosi,” he said, “but we’ve got work to do. There’s more to come from this car.” The message was unmistakable: Ferrari had underestimated him, and they were now paying the price for it.
The Italian media, known for their high expectations, were quick to criticize Ferrari’s strategy. Despite Hamilton’s heroics, some outlets called for “drastic measures” to address the team’s qualifying struggles. This reaction underscored the pressure on Ferrari to deliver at their home race, a pressure Hamilton seemed to embrace while others faltered. His connection with the fans, who greeted him with deafening cheers, was a highlight of the weekend. “It felt vintage,” Hamilton remarked, describing the sea of red flags and the electric atmosphere. For a driver in his first season with Ferrari, this bond with the tifosi was a testament to his enduring star power.
Hamilton’s performance at Imola has shifted the narrative around his move to Ferrari. Critics who questioned whether the 40-year-old could adapt to a new team after years at Mercedes were left eating their words. His ability to outperform Leclerc, who lamented the team’s “unacceptable” qualifying, highlighted Hamilton’s value to Ferrari. The team’s decision to prioritize Leclerc’s setup now seems like a costly mistake, one that Hamilton’s race-day brilliance exposed. His comments, both on the radio and in interviews, carried a subtle but sharp edge, suggesting that Ferrari’s lack of trust in his input had cost them a chance at greater success.
As the 2025 season progresses, Hamilton’s Imola performance serves as a warning to Ferrari: underestimate him at your peril. With his sights set on returning Ferrari to the top step, Hamilton is proving he’s not just a driver but a catalyst for change. The team’s engineers and strategists will need to heed his feedback if they hope to unlock the car’s full potential. For now, Hamilton’s explosive comeback has given Ferrari plenty to cheer about—and even more to regret.
