Emilia-Romagna’s Great Prize of 2025 is expected to be a historic event for Lewis Hamilton, marking her first race in front of Ferrari’s passionate Tifosi as a scuderia driver. However, the weekend gave a dramatic turn when the seven times world champion was hit with a shocking grid penalty of 20 locations, plunging Ferrari into crisis and sending shockwaves through the Formula 1 community.

A disastrous qualification session

Imola’s weekend began in a sour note for Ferrari, with Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc not progressing beyond the second quarter, qualifying in P12 and P11, respectively. The Italian media marked the result of a “disaster” for the team in their race at home, and Hamilton himself described the result as “devastating” in interviews with Sky Sports F1. The lack of rhythm in the Ferrari SF-23 has become evident, with Leclerc noting: “There is not enough performance in the car at the moment.”

As if the poor qualification performance was not enough, Hamilton faced an unprecedented setback when the FIA ​​announced a 20 -seat grade penalty due to a technical violation involving Ferrari’s power unit. Sources close to the team suggest that an unauthorized change of component was made after qualification and violating Fermé regulations. This penalty actually relegated Hamilton to the back of the grid, a crushing blow to the Briton who expected to offer a strong performance to the Ferrari crowd.

Hamilton’s reaction

Speaking to the media after confirming the penalty, a visibly frustrated Hamilton expressed his disappointment. “It’s hard to take,” he told Sky Sports F1. “We are working hard to progress and be hit with this penalty in such an important race for the team is painful. But we will continue to fight.” His comments echoed the feelings of the Tifosi, who filled the stands of Imola in the hope of seeing his new hero shine.

Despite the setback, Hamilton remained determined to make the best of the situation. “Imola is a difficult clue to overcome, but I’ve faced challenges before. Let’s create strategies and give everything on Sunday,” he added, suggesting a recovery potential.

Ferrari’s struggles in 2025

The penalty aggravated an already challenging season for Ferrari. Despite high expectations after Mercedes’ Hamilton’s high profile change, the SF-23 struggled to match the rhythm of rivals such as McLaren and Red Bull. Team director Fred Vassur defended the design team, led by Loic Serra, but admitted that the car’s performance was below expectations. “We are not where we want to be, but we will not give up in 2025,” said Vassur, discarding suggestions that the team would change the focus entirely on the 2026 regulations.

Charles Leclerc, equally frustrated, was vocal with the team’s lack of competitiveness. “We’re right now,” he told Sky F1, highlighting the car’s inability to accompany the candidates in Imbola’s quick corners. The double exit of the Q2 and Hamilton’s penalty put Ferrari under intense scrutiny, especially with the passionate Italian fans expecting a strong display in his race at home.

The race: a glimpse of hope

Despite starting from behind, Hamilton showed his trademark resilience during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Capitalizing the periods of well-tampered cars, including Kimi Antonelli’s engine failure and the dramatic pit fire of Fernando Alonso-Hamilton’s track has performed a brilliant recovery unit. For the checkered flag, he climbed to an impressive P4, his best result of the season with Ferrari.

The Tifosi, initially discouraged by the qualified disaster and penalty, broke out in applause while Hamilton crossed the line. “It seemed vintage,” said Hamilton after the race, reflecting on the “great feeling” of fighting in front of Ferrari fans. His performance was proof of his ability and determination, turning a weekend of despair into a redemption.

The larger image

Although Hamilton’s recovery was a highlight, the race was dominated by Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth consecutive victory in Imbola, driving Oscar Pistri and Lando Norris from McLaren. The Dutch victory at the 400th Red Bull race has further solidified his championship credentials, while the hopes of the McLaren title were hit.

For Ferrari, Imola’s weekend highlighted the challenges ahead. Team updates, introduced to their race at home, failed to provide the expected increase in performance, and the penalty added an insult to the injury. However, Hamilton’s P4 finish offered a glimpse of hope, proving that the strategic ability of brightness and driver can still produce results, even in the face of adversity.

Lewis Hamilton’s 20 -seat penalty in Imola was a shocking setback that threatened to disturb Ferrari’s Grand Prix. However, his remarkable P4 recovery has shown why he remains one of the big names of all time of F1. While Ferrari seems to regroup and approach the deficiencies of their cars, the Tifosi can be cheered upon with Hamilton’s struggle spirit. With the Monaco Grand Prix on the Horizon, AL