During the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc made headlines with a biting team radio message that showcased his growing frustration with the team’s strategic decisions. As the race unfolded and Leclerc sat in fourth place, his race engineer Bryan Bozzi informed him that the leading cars had stayed out. Leclerc, clearly dissatisfied, fired back sarcastically: “Yeah, I think we can win the race with Lewis [Hamilton].”
The quip, aimed at both Bozzi and the broader strategic call, quickly gained traction online—especially on X (formerly Twitter), where fans debated its implications. Leclerc’s comment was interpreted as a jab at Ferrari’s decision-making, as Hamilton, his own teammate, was ahead in third but ultimately unable to challenge the front-runners. Although Ferrari secured a solid double podium with Hamilton in P3 and Leclerc in P4, the Monegasque driver finished a notable 14.245 seconds behind race winner Max Verstappen.
Leclerc later clarified his stance in an interview with Motorsport, admitting that the strategy was “not optimal,” fueling further speculation and discussion among F1 fans and pundits alike. The moment underscored a recurring issue at Ferrari—tactical inconsistency and missed opportunities, particularly in high-pressure races.
Despite the frustration, the incident also highlighted Leclerc’s fierce competitive spirit and his drive for excellence. With Ferrari showing signs of performance but still lacking the strategic sharpness of top rivals like Red Bull and Mercedes, the Imola GP became another case study in how small decisions can significantly affect outcomes.
Leclerc’s radio outburst may have been laced with sarcasm, but it reflected a broader concern: Ferrari’s need to align race pace with smarter strategy if they hope to genuinely challenge for the championship.