The 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola was meant to be a turning point for Ferrari, with high hopes pinned on a strong home performance in front of the passionate Tifosi.

Instead, the weekend descended into chaos, with leaked team radio conversations exposing tensions between drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, and their frustrations with Ferrari’s strategy.

The fallout has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock, raising questions about the team’s internal dynamics and competitiveness in the 2025 season.

Ferrari arrived at Imola with a modest upgrade package for their SF-25 car, aiming to reverse a disappointing start to the season. Both Hamilton and Leclerc struggled in qualifying, starting from 12th and 11th respectively after a dismal Q2 exit. However, Hamilton’s race-day performance was a standout, as he stormed through the field to secure fourth place, overtaking Leclerc and Williams’ Alex Albon in the closing laps. Leclerc, meanwhile, finished a frustrating sixth, hampered by a poorly timed virtual safety car and a late skirmish with Albon, which forced him to give up two positions.

The real drama unfolded over the team radio, where both drivers aired their grievances. Leclerc’s expletive-laden outburst, “This is unbelievable. All the time I get f***ed with these virtual safety cars,” highlighted his exasperation after losing time during a safety car period. He also expressed frustration over Ferrari’s refusal to allow a late pit stop for soft tires, which he believed could have salvaged his race. Hamilton, while more composed, was equally pointed, praising the team for a “great race” and “fantastic stops” but subtly urging for better qualifying performance to unlock race-winning potential.

These radio exchanges, partially leaked post-race, have fueled speculation of a rift within Ferrari. The team’s strategic missteps, reminiscent of their chaotic Miami Grand Prix, were evident at Imola. In Miami, Hamilton sarcastically remarked, “Have a tea break while you’re at it,” when Ferrari delayed a driver swap decision. At Imola, similar indecision cost Leclerc valuable positions, leaving him stuck in Hamilton’s dirty air and vulnerable to cars behind. Team principal Frederic Vasseur has downplayed the tensions, insisting the focus should be on Ferrari’s lack of pace rather than driver disputes. However, the leaked messages suggest deeper issues in communication and trust.

Ferrari’s 2025 season has been underwhelming, with only one podium (Leclerc’s third in Jeddah) and a distant fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, 152 points behind leaders McLaren. Hamilton, now sixth in the Drivers’ standings, trails Leclerc by eight points. The Tifosi, expecting a resurgence at their home race, were left disappointed by Ferrari’s inability to capitalize on upgrades and the drivers’ visible discontent.

As Ferrari heads to the next race, the spotlight is on Vasseur to address these strategic blunders and unify the team. Hamilton remains optimistic, stating, “If we get qualifying better, we’ll be winning.” But with Leclerc’s morale visibly shaken and the team struggling for pace, Ferrari faces an uphill battle to restore confidence and challenge the frontrunners. The Imola drama has laid bare the challenges within the Scuderia, and only time will tell if they can turn their season around.