The 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand PrixTM at Imola was a tale of two very different races within the same garage at Ferrari. One driver left the circuit clinging to hope, rejuvenated by a late charge through the field. The other, driving brilliantly with heart, left visibly disheartened, questioning the very foundation of Ferrari’s season and unsure if brighter days are on the horizon. With the Monaco Grand PrixTM around the corner this is disheartening.
Verstappen in Command, Closing the Gap
At the front in Imola, Max Verstappen stamped his authority on the championship with a commanding win. His breathtaking first-lap overtake on Oscar Piastri set the tone for the race, and he never looked back. The Red Bull driver now sits third in the standings on 124 points, closing in on leader Oscar Piastri (146 points) and Lando Norris (133 points). Imola marked his second win of the season and a critical psychological victory as the championship race tightens.
Hamilton Rising, Leclerc Fretting
Meanwhile at Ferrari, a shift in sentiment took place. Lewis Hamilton, who had spent much of the early season voicing his doubts about the Scuderia’s direction, finally had something to smile about. Starting 12th, he sliced through the field with calculated aggression and clever pit strategy, finishing P4 and just missing the podium.
It was such a great feeling for Hamilton at last— progressing through the field in the red car, in front of the Tifosi. He hasn’t had a race like that in a while. Ferrari is not where fans want it to be yet, but Imola was a step in the right direction.
This stands in stark contrast to teammate, Charles Leclerc, whose tone darkened significantly. Leclerc had also fought brilliantly from 11th on the grid to finish sixth, but his mood was anything but victorious. After an aggressive late-race scrap with Alex Albon — which ended with the Monegasque being ordered to hand the position back — Leclerc was left fuming.
This is a joke he raged over the team radio.
Even post-race, he couldn’t mask his disillusionment ….not accepting the situation where the car just isn’t fast enough. Being “P-nowhere” is a performance problem!
Leclerc in the Standings
Leclerc now sits fifth in the Drivers’ Championship, 85 points adrift of Piastri. He’s stood on the podium once this season — back in Saudi Arabia; the early optimism of 2025 is evaporating. His emotionally triumphant Monaco win in 2024 feels like a distant memory.
Monaco Looms — Will It Save Ferrari?
Under normal circumstances, heading to Monaco — Leclerc’s home race and the scene of his brilliant historic first win there last year — might be the emotional reset Ferrari needs. Is there a glimmer of hope?
Worryingly, Monaco might reveal the weaknesses of the car. Leclerc is concerned it’s going to be a very tough weekend.
With limited straight-line pace and unpredictable cornering balance, the SF-25 may be challenged to shine on the tight, technical streets of Monte Carlo. Ferrari is targeting major upgrades for Barcelona the week after but Leclerc is waiting to see before drawing conclusions.
A Role Reversal at Ferrari
The most striking narrative from Imola isn’t just about lap times or positions gained. The once-hopeful Leclerc now sounds more like the Hamilton of early 2025 — exhausted by the car’s shortcomings. It was Hamilton who had previously sounded the alarm on Ferrari’s progress.
If the team can’t deliver a Monaco miracle or a transformative Barcelona upgrade, Leclerc’s patience will be tested yet further. He is there to win and certainly not be off the podium.
In Imola, Ferrari has scored a respectable haul of points. But the real story remains about belief — and the desperate need to have it.
Cross fingers for Charles and a turnaround in Monaco!
