Lewis Hamilton’s challenging debut season with Ferrari continued at the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, as both he and teammate Charles Leclerc failed to advance past Q2 in qualifying. Hamilton secured the 12th position on the grid, just behind Leclerc in 11th, marking Ferrari’s first absence from Q3 this season. This underperformance is particularly disheartening for the team at their home race, especially following recent technical setbacks.
The struggles at Imola come on the heels of a significant setback at the Chinese Grand Prix, where both Ferrari drivers were disqualified post-race due to technical infringements. Hamilton’s car was found to have excessive skid-block wear, while Leclerc’s vehicle was under the minimum weight limit, leading to both drivers losing their points from that event.
These incidents have intensified scrutiny on Ferrari’s performance and compliance with FIA regulations. Hamilton has expressed frustration over the team’s inability to maximize the car’s potential, citing issues with grip and tire performance. He acknowledged the challenges ahead, stating that the remainder of the season may continue to be “painful” as the team works to address these persistent issues.
As Ferrari aims to rebound from these challenges, the focus will be on improving car performance and ensuring strict adherence to technical regulations to avoid further penalties. The team faces mounting pressure to deliver results, especially with the championship standings becoming increasingly competitive.