The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola has left both Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari with mixed emotions, but while Hamilton’s personal result and comeback were seen as a glimmer of hope, the Italian media’s reaction has been far from forgiving. Ferrari’s struggles, particularly in qualifying, have triggered an outpouring of frustration, with Italian journalists urging the team to implement “drastic measures” to resolve their ongoing problems.

A Nightmare Qualifying for Ferrari and Hamilton

Saturday’s qualifying session in Imola turned into a disaster for Ferrari and Hamilton. Both drivers, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, were eliminated in Q2, forcing them to start the race in P12 and P11, respectively. These results were far from what both drivers and the team had expected. For Ferrari, this poor showing in qualifying added to a growing sense of disappointment as they continued to struggle in the 2025 season.

However, despite this dismal start, both Hamilton and Leclerc showed resilience during the race. They managed to recover and finished in the top 10, with Hamilton finishing an impressive P4. The British driver was visibly pleased with his result, smiling and expressing optimism about the potential to challenge for a podium finish in future races. His performance in Imola was undoubtedly one of the brighter spots of the weekend, showing that even in a difficult season, there was still hope for improvement.

The Italian Media’s Harsh Criticism of Ferrari’s Performance

While Hamilton’s personal comeback was praised in certain circles, the Italian media, particularly outlets such as Corriere della Sera, were quick to launch scathing critiques of both Ferrari and the performance of their drivers. The publication was particularly harsh in its assessment of the team’s poor qualifying performance and lamented Ferrari’s inability to meet expectations so far in 2025.

In a feature that accompanied a photo of a visibly disappointed Ferrari fan, Corriere della Sera expressed frustration at Ferrari’s failure to capitalize on its potential. The report was damning, stating that the team’s performance at Imola was a stark reminder of the mounting challenges Ferrari was facing in 2025. While Hamilton and Leclerc tried to put a positive spin on the weekend, the media was not convinced by their hopeful statements.

“These are ready-made phrases, packaged to mask a disappointment that consumes all patience, theirs and ours,” the publication wrote. “It’s surreal to hear these optimistic reactions when the team’s performance clearly doesn’t reflect their ambitions.”

The report continued with a more somber tone, criticizing the notion of a ‘comeback’ and stressing that it was not enough for Ferrari to simply promise improvement. Instead, the media called for “providential seriousness” from the team’s leadership, urging them to recognize the scale of the problems and address them without delay.

“We need responsibility and accountability from the team,” Corriere della Sera concluded. “It’s not enough to speak of comebacks and recovery; we need to see real, tangible action. The problems are clear, and they demand solutions that are both precise and, perhaps, drastic.”

The Pressures Mount for Ferrari

The Italian press wasn’t the only one criticizing Ferrari’s performance in Imola. AutoRacer, another prominent Italian motorsport publication, also weighed in with a pessimistic assessment of the team’s 2025 season. The outlet expressed concern that Ferrari’s struggles could extend well into 2026, especially if they do not address their current issues effectively.

“Reality says that with the remodelled and delayed development program, the other teams are progressing, and this creates greater headaches for the Scuderia,” AutoRacer stated. “The reaction to this resounding elimination in Q2 is precisely the explanation of why Ferrari CANNOT abandon the SF-25 and focus on 2026. A championship like this is not acceptable and is not reassuring for next year.”

This reflects a growing sense of urgency within the team and among fans, who are becoming increasingly frustrated by Ferrari’s inability to match the performance of its rivals. The press has made it clear that the team can no longer afford to make excuses or offer empty promises; decisive action is needed if they hope to return to competitive form in the near future.

The Bigger Picture: Ferrari’s Ongoing Struggles

Ferrari’s performance at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix is indicative of larger issues that have plagued the team throughout the 2025 season. From struggles with car development to challenges in executing strategy on race day, the Scuderia’s troubles seem to be compounded by an overall lack of cohesion. Their inability to consistently perform at the level expected of a team with their history and resources is becoming a point of contention among fans and media alike.

In contrast, other teams on the grid, such as Mercedes and Red Bull, continue to show impressive form, making Ferrari’s underperformance even more glaring. While Hamilton’s P4 finish was a bright spot for him personally, it highlights the disparity between Ferrari’s struggles and the success of their competitors. Hamilton’s performance, though solid, was still a reminder that the team’s potential is yet to be fully realized, and that much more work is needed to close the gap.

Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?

For Ferrari to get back to the top of Formula 1, there needs to be a shift in both their approach to development and race day execution. The team must focus on refining their car, addressing the weaknesses in their setup, and ensuring that their strategies are more effective in race conditions. Moreover, the leadership at Ferrari needs to take a long, hard look at the team’s current direction and be open to making bold decisions if they hope to reverse their fortunes.

The calls for “drastic measures” are not just from the media; they represent a collective frustration from fans, pundits, and even some team members who see that change is necessary for Ferrari to return to its former glory. If the Scuderia fails to make the right moves now, their struggles may continue for years to come.

Conclusion

The Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix highlighted the ongoing issues that Ferrari is facing in the 2025 season. While Lewis Hamilton managed to salvage a respectable P4 finish, the team’s overall performance was a far cry from what fans have come to expect. The Italian media’s reaction to the weekend’s events has been harsh, calling for serious changes at Ferrari in order to avoid further disappointment. With the 2026 season on the horizon, the team must make critical decisions in order to regain their competitive edge and meet the high expectations placed upon them.