The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola delivered plenty of drama on the track, but what unfolded afterward might prove even more seismic for Scuderia Ferrari. After a disappointing P6 finish, Charles Leclerc’s post-race comments sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, exposing internal dysfunction within Ferrari as the team struggles to find consistency in a season that promised so much but is delivering far less.

Leclerc, visibly frustrated during his post-race interview, didn’t hold back after being beaten soundly by a resurgent Lewis Hamilton, who finished P3 and put Mercedes back on the podium for only the second time this season. The Monegasque driver launched into a blunt assessment of Ferrari’s race strategy, car development, and decision-making — remarks that have since drawn attention from fans, analysts, and rivals alike.

“We’re Not Learning from Our Mistakes”

“Honestly, I’m tired of repeating the same things,” Leclerc said, eyes blazing with disappointment. “Every weekend, we say we’ll learn from the past, and every weekend, we make the same errors — strategy, tire calls, communication. I gave it everything today, but we weren’t even close to where we should be.”

Leclerc’s words reflect a growing frustration that has been simmering for months. While Ferrari started the 2025 season with high hopes and flashes of strong pace, the reality has been underwhelming. Race execution continues to plague the team, with missed opportunities, strategic blunders, and inconsistent upgrades all contributing to a disappointing campaign.

Imola was no exception. Ferrari brought a new aerodynamic package intended to close the gap to Red Bull and McLaren. But instead of moving forward, Leclerc found himself struggling with tire degradation and a car balance that deteriorated over long runs. “We were promised a step forward, and instead, we took a step back,” he said flatly.

Behind Closed Doors: Ferrari’s Internal Tensions

While Leclerc’s outburst was the public tip of the iceberg, insiders within the team report mounting tensions behind the scenes. According to paddock sources, disagreements between the technical department and race engineers have become more frequent, with a lack of clear direction in development strategy.

Team principal Frédéric Vasseur has faced increasing scrutiny, with some questioning whether the current leadership can truly steer Ferrari back to title contention. Despite public shows of unity, it’s clear that the harmony within the team is being tested by poor results and mounting pressure.

Leclerc’s relationship with the team, once rock solid, is also reportedly being strained. While the driver remains under contract through 2026, there is growing speculation that his patience is wearing thin — especially when he sees his rivals making rapid progress.

Hamilton’s Resurgence Highlights Ferrari’s Stagnation

Adding salt to the wound was Lewis Hamilton’s stunning drive to the podium. After a slow start to the season, Mercedes found form in Imola with a more aggressive setup and much-improved tire management. Hamilton, who had been struggling with motivation earlier in the year, seemed reinvigorated, and his performance was hailed as vintage.

“Today showed what’s possible when the car and the team work together,” Hamilton said after the race, in a statement that some interpreted as a subtle dig at Ferrari. The contrast between Mercedes’ execution and Ferrari’s confusion was hard to ignore.

Paddock Reaction: “The Gloves Are Off”

Leclerc’s blunt comments triggered a flurry of reactions across the paddock. Sky Sports F1 analyst Martin Brundle said, “This is the most openly critical we’ve seen Charles in a long time. Clearly, there are issues behind the scenes. When drivers start speaking like this in public, it usually means they’ve exhausted every option internally.”

Red Bull’s Helmut Marko added fuel to the fire, saying, “Ferrari has the resources and the drivers, but something fundamental is broken there.”

Even McLaren’s Lando Norris chimed in, expressing sympathy for Leclerc: “You can feel how much he cares. When you’re fighting so hard and still can’t get results, it’s frustrating. I’ve been there.”

What’s Next for Ferrari?

Ferrari’s next move will be crucial. The team has promised an “internal review” of its race operations following Imola, but fans and experts alike are demanding more than words. There is talk of restructuring within the strategy team, and Vasseur may be forced to make tough calls if results don’t improve in the coming races.

Leclerc, meanwhile, has made it clear he wants action. “We can’t keep losing like this. I want to fight at the front — that’s what I came to Ferrari to do,” he concluded.

Whether this outburst serves as a turning point or marks the beginning of a deeper unraveling remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the calm, polished Ferrari front is beginning to crack — and Charles Leclerc is no longer willing to stay silent.