Summary
Lewis Hamilton described his qualifying performance at the 2025 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix in Imola as “devastating,” marking his worst grid position since joining Ferrari . Both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc failed to advance beyond Q2, with Hamilton qualifying 12th and Leclerc 11th, intensifying concerns about the new SF-25’s one-lap pace . The result represents Ferrari’s first double elimination before Q3 at Imola since the circuit debuted in 1980 and underscores a growing gap to rivals on Saturdays . Team principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged “mistakes” in the car’s design, admitting that the SF-25 needs urgent improvements for qualifying competitiveness . Despite the disappointment, Hamilton rebounded to finish fourth in Sunday’s race, demonstrating strong race pace and strategy execution .
Qualifying Struggles
Ferrari’s weekend suffered a major setback when both cars were knocked out in Q2, a scenario made worse by grip issues on the latest Pirelli compounds . Hamilton’s lap was compromised by a lack of rear stability through the Tamburello and Villeneuve corners, areas where the car consistently underperformed . Oscar Piastri seized pole for McLaren by just 0.03 seconds over Max Verstappen, illustrating the tight margins Hamilton needed to bridge .
Hamilton’s Reaction
Hamilton admitted he was “extremely disappointed, devastated that we didn’t make it” into Q3 in front of Ferrari’s tifosi . His body language post-session was notably flat, contrasting with Leclerc’s frustration and signaling potential doubts about his late-career switch to Ferrari . Untelevised team radio footage later revealed Hamilton urging the team: “We’ll be winning if we can improve our qualifying” . Sky Sports reported Hamilton described the double Q2 exit as “devastating on my home debut with Ferrari” .
Looking Ahead
Hamilton’s qualifying woes amplify pressure on Ferrari to deliver upgrades before the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix, where qualifying performance will again be pivotal . While Sunday’s fourth-place finish showcased the car’s race pace under alternate strategies, Fred Vasseur insists the priority is closing the qualifying deficit to challenge Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren on Saturdays . As Hamilton seeks to reignite his championship ambitions, restoring confidence in the SF-25’s qualifying form will be the defining test of Ferrari’s development path.