The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix qualifying session at Imola on May 17, 2025, marked a low point for Ferrari, with both Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failing to advance beyond Q2, finishing a disappointing 12th and 11th respectively. The iconic Italian team, racing on home soil, faced a barrage of criticism from fans and pundits alike, but it was Hamilton’s post-session behavior that sparked headlines. Reports of a cold and unwelcoming gesture toward teammate Leclerc, coupled with Hamilton’s social media activity and Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur’s response, have fueled speculation about growing tensions within the Scuderia.

Hamilton, in his first season with Ferrari after a storied tenure at Mercedes, has struggled to adapt to the SF-25 car. His qualifying performance at Imola was particularly disheartening, marking his lowest starting position since joining the team. The seven-time world champion expressed devastation, noting the hard work of the Ferrari garage and the bittersweet feeling of underperforming in his first Italian race for the team. Leclerc, equally frustrated, described Ferrari as “P-nowhere,” highlighting the car’s lack of pace, especially in slower corners where rivals like McLaren and Aston Martin gained significant advantages. The session saw both drivers outmaneuvered by strategic tire choices from competitors, with Aston Martin’s medium tire gamble pushing Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll into the top 10 at Ferrari’s expense.

Post-qualifying, Hamilton’s demeanor toward Leclerc raised eyebrows. Witnesses reported a brief, tense exchange where Hamilton appeared to brush off Leclerc’s attempt to discuss the session, opting instead for a curt nod before retreating to the team motorhome. This moment, described by some as a “brutal and unwelcoming gesture,” contrasted with Hamilton’s earlier comments in Miami, where he downplayed tensions with Leclerc despite strategic disagreements. The incident at Imola has intensified scrutiny on their relationship, especially given Leclerc’s 5-1 qualifying advantage over Hamilton this season.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hamilton’s recent social media activity has sparked rumors of dissatisfaction. Days before the Imola race, the 40-year-old driver unfollowed everyone on Instagram, including Ferrari, Leclerc, and even his dog Roscoe’s account. He also removed Ferrari-related content from his bio and deleted several posts, actions that echo his social media blackout after the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. While Hamilton has not publicly explained these moves, a cryptic post on Instagram hinting at “focusing on what matters” has led fans to speculate about a rift with Ferrari. Some interpret this as a sign of frustration with the team’s underwhelming performance, with Ferrari sitting fourth in the constructors’ championship, 152 points behind leaders McLaren.

Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur addressed the situation with measured optimism, acknowledging the team’s struggles but emphasizing ongoing efforts to improve. “We’ve been working hard since Miami to give Lewis and Charles a competitive car,” Vasseur said, referencing upgrades planned for the Spanish Grand Prix. He downplayed Hamilton’s social media activity, stating, “Lewis is a professional. He’s fully committed to Ferrari, and we’re focused on delivering results together.” Vasseur also defended the team’s qualifying strategy, noting that the decision to stick with soft tires was based on data, though he admitted the car’s performance in slower corners needed urgent attention.

The Imola debacle has broader implications for Ferrari’s 2025 campaign. With only one podium finish this season—Leclerc’s third place in Saudi Arabia—the team faces pressure to deliver at their home races. Hamilton, who described the move to Ferrari as a “dream” before the season, admitted the transition has been tougher than expected. Brake issues, described as a “lottery” by both drivers, have plagued the SF-25, and the team’s upgrades at Imola failed to close the gap to McLaren, who dominated with Oscar Piastri’s pole position.

As Ferrari prepares for Sunday’s race, all eyes are on Hamilton and Leclerc’s ability to salvage points from their mid-grid positions. Imola’s narrow track makes overtaking difficult, setting the stage for a challenging Grand Prix. Whether Hamilton’s gesture toward Leclerc was a momentary lapse or a sign of deeper discontent remains unclear, but the narrative of tension within Ferrari is unlikely to fade soon. For now, the Tifosi can only hope their team finds the pace—and unity—needed to turn their season around.