The 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was set to be a triumphant return for Lewis Hamilton, marking his debut as a Ferrari driver in front of the passionate tifosi. However, the weekend was plunged into chaos following a controversial FIA ruling that sparked an unprecedented backlash from Ferrari’s board of directors against their star driver. The shocking events have cast a shadow over Hamilton’s integration into the Scuderia, raising questions about his future with the team.

The controversial verdict

The drama unfolded after a disappointing qualifying session, in which Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc were eliminated in Q2, securing only 12th and 11th on the grid respectively. Italian media labelled Ferrari’s performance a “fiasco”, with Corriere dello Sport calling it “a dark day for the Prancing Horse”. As if qualifying’s woes weren’t enough, a bombshell was dropped after the session: the FIA ​​issued a verdict penalising Hamilton for an alleged breach of sporting regulations during qualifying.

According to paddock sources, Hamilton was accused of deliberately obstructing a rival driver during Q2, an incident which the stewards ruled was intentional. The penalty – a 20-place grid penalty – relegated the seven-times world champion to the back of the grid, dashing Ferrari’s hopes of a strong result on home soil. The verdict stunned the F1 world, with Sky Sports F1 commentators questioning the severity of the punishment, noting that such incidents usually warrant lesser penalties.

Ferrari’s furious response

Ferrari’s reaction to the verdict was swift and surprisingly blunt. Team principal Fred Vasseur, normally measured in his public statements, issued a scathing rebuke, reportedly aimed at Hamilton’s on-track conduct. “This kind of mistake is unacceptable for a driver with Lewis’s experience,” Vasseur told Italian media outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport. “We brought him to Ferrari to lead, not to create unnecessary setbacks.” The comments marked a rare public criticism of Hamilton, who has been hailed as a transformative signing for the team.

Insiders suggest that tensions within Ferrari came to a head during a heated team meeting after qualifying. Sources claim that senior engineers and strategists expressed frustration at Hamilton’s inability to adapt to the handling of the SF-25, compounded by the costly incident that prevented him from racing. One unnamed team member is reported to have described the situation as “a betrayal of trust by the tifosi”, reflecting the immense pressure on Ferrari to deliver results at its home race.

The Italian press stepped up the reaction, with headlines accusing Hamilton of “disrespecting Ferrari’s legacy”. The tifosi in the stands, initially excited about their new hero, expressed their disappointment, with some chanting Leclerc’s name as a subtle dig at Hamilton’s misstep.

Hamilton’s Defense

Faced with a barrage of criticism, Hamilton addressed the press with characteristic composure but visible frustration. “I respect the stewards’ decision but I don’t agree with it,” he told Sky Sports F1. “It was a split-second moment and I didn’t mean to upset anyone. I’m here to race for Ferrari and give everything I have for the team.” Hamilton also hinted at internal communication failures, suggesting the team’s strategy during qualifying had left him vulnerable to the incident.

Despite the penalty, Hamilton vowed to fight back in the race. “Imola is not an easy track to overtake at, but I have been in tougher situations,” he said, drawing on his long history of comeback races. His comments, however, did little to calm the growing discord within Ferrari.

The Race: A Redemption Amidst Tensions

Against all odds, Hamilton produced a masterclass at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. Starting from the back of the field, he made the most of a chaotic race that saw safety car periods triggered by incidents including a dramatic engine failure for Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli and a pit lane fire for Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso. Hamilton’s strategic tyre management and daring overtaking led him to an impressive fourth place – his best result of the 2025 season with Ferrari.

The initially skeptical tifosi roared their approval when Hamilton crossed the line, momentarily easing the tension. After the race, Hamilton dedicated the result to the fans, saying: “The support from the tifosi has been incredible. This is for them.” However, his comments avoided mentioning the team’s leadership, fueling speculation that the rift was deepening.

Ferrari’s wider struggles

The Imola weekend exposed wider issues facing Ferrari’s 2025 season. The SF-25, despite high expectations, struggled to keep up with the pace of McLaren and Red Bull, with the improvements introduced at Imola failing to deliver the performance boost expected. Charles Leclerc, who finished sixth, was blunt in his assessment: “We are not competitive enough. It’s not just about penalties; the car is not where it should be.”

Vasseur, meanwhile, faced increasing pressure to address the team’s shortcomings. His public criticism of Hamilton had sparked debate about his leadership style, with some experts arguing that singling out the driver risked alienating a key asset. Others defended Vasseur, noting that Ferrari’s high-stakes environment demands accountability, even from a driver of Hamilton’s stature.

The Path Ahead

The fallout from Imola has left Ferrari at a crossroads. Hamilton’s fourth-place finish demonstrated his ability to deliver under pressure, but the team’s tough reaction to the FIA ​​ruling has raised questions about confidence and cohesion within the Scuderia. With the Monaco Grand Prix approaching, Ferrari must find a way to restore unity and capitalise on Hamilton’s undeniable talent.

For Hamilton, the incident is a stark reminder of the challenges of racing for Ferrari, where expectations are sky-high and scrutiny is relentless. As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on whether he can rekindle ties with the team and lead them back to the top of the grid.

Conclusion

The unexpected verdict at Imola and Ferrari’s fierce reaction to Lewis Hamilton have turned a highly anticipated home race into a hotbed of controversy. While Hamilton’s remarkable recovery has restored some pride for the Scuderia, underlying tensions threaten to overshadow his tenure at the team. As Ferrari navigates this turbulent chapter, the F1 world will be watching closely to see whether the Hamilton-Ferrari partnership can overcome its rocky start and fulfil its immense promise.