Lewis Hamilton scored his best result as a Ferrari driver at Imola last weekend. While he was aided by two stoppages, his charge from 12th on the grid to fourth has lifted the mood among the Tifosi.
Ferrari’s first home race of the year threatened to turn into a new low when both drivers were knocked out in Q2. Seven different teams outpaced the Scuderia with at least one of their cars.
But as has become a theme, Ferrari showed excellent race pace after struggling in qualifying. Charles Leclerc was on a charge before a mid-race virtual safety car ruined his undercut strategy, though he still managed P6.
It’s only the second time this season that the Maranello outfit have scored 20 or more points in a Grand Prix (after P4 and P5 in Bahrain). Hamilton overtakes Kimi Antonelli in the drivers’ standings to move into the top six.
| Position | Drivers’ Championship | Points |
| 1 |
Oscar Piastri |
146 |
| 2 |
Lando Norris |
133 |
| 3 |
Max Verstappen |
124 |
| 4 |
George Russell |
99 |
| 5 |
Charles Leclerc |
61 |
| 6 |
Lewis Hamilton |
53 |
| 7 |
Andrea Kimi Antonelli |
48 |
| 8 |
Alexander Albon |
40 |
But while Hamilton was notably buoyed, there were few smiles elsewhere at Ferrari. There’s still an acceptance that the team are a long way from their pre-season objectives.
Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur have different views on Ferrari’s problems
Formula.it note the failures in Ferrari’s ‘communication’ strategy this year. Fred Vasseur keeps using the word ‘potential’ when discussing the SF-25, and Imola was the latest sign that it can be electric in the right conditions.
Equally, though, fourth place in the championship is a brutally accurate reflection of their limitations. Speaking to outlets including GPBlog after last weekend’s race, Vasseur repeated one of his refrains this season – ‘we have to understand how we can do better with what we have’.
- READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur from net worth to height
Hamilton, by contrast, seems to have concluded his investigation already. As quoted by Formula Passion, he said ‘there’s one issue in particular’ that’s holding Ferrari back.
This is just one example of the mixed messages coming from the Italian marquee. And Formula1.it conclude that Hamilton and Vasseur don’t sound like they’re ‘part of the same team’.
These ‘conflicting statements’ are apparently affecting the ‘confidence’ of team staff. A confused Leclerc has also sown doubt at Ferrari.
Italian F1 pundit was completely wrong about how the Tifosi view Lewis Hamilton
It’s important to stress that there’s no sign of conflict between Hamilton and Vasseur. Both are pursuing the same objectives right now, even if their interview answers aren’t consistent.
Heading into the Imola weekend, Italian pundit Davide Valsecchi said Ferrari fans were divided over Hamilton. But there was no sign of any frustration among those in attendance.
Indeed, Hamilton merchandise was everywhere at the Emilia Romagna GP. After the race, he came out to show his appreciation for the fans who had gathered on the pit straight.
Hamilton felt like Michael Schumacher as he soaked in the support from the grandstands. The fairytale move has got off to a difficult start, but none of the parties involved have lost hope.
