Title: Ferrari Faces Imola Frustration as Verstappen Triumphs and Hamilton Climbs in 2025 Emilia Romagna GP

Formula 1’s European tour roared into life last weekend as the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix brought the paddock to the iconic Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola — a venue deeply entrenched in Ferrari’s rich racing heritage. However, despite high hopes and immense home support, the Scuderia was left with more questions than answers following a turbulent weekend marked by early qualifying exits, a fourth-place finish for Lewis Hamilton, and another dominant win from the man they reportedly regret not signing — Max Verstappen.

A Disappointing Saturday for the Prancing Horse

Saturday’s qualifying session delivered a gut punch to the Tifosi, as both Ferrari drivers — Charles Leclerc and newcomer Lewis Hamilton — failed to progress beyond Q2. The elimination left them to start Sunday’s race in P11 and P12, respectively. Hamilton, who described the outcome as “devastating,” had joined the team from Mercedes in what was hailed as one of the most significant driver transfers in recent F1 history.

For Ferrari, the back-row start at their home circuit added immense pressure, especially given the high expectations surrounding Hamilton’s arrival and Leclerc’s quest to reassert himself as a world championship contender.

Sunday Recovery and a Late Twist

Race day, however, offered a glimmer of hope. Hamilton capitalized on a late-race safety car, deployed after the retirement of young Mercedes prospect Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari seized the opportunity to pit the seven-time world champion for fresh hard tyres. The strategic call paid off, allowing Hamilton to cut through the field and finish just 1.4 seconds shy of Oscar Piastri in third place.

Ultimately, Hamilton crossed the line in P4 — his best finish of the season so far and his strongest showing since donning the iconic red overalls. While a podium eluded him, the result marked a significant improvement in race pace and tire management, showcasing his enduring skill at 40 years old.

Verstappen’s Victory Rekindles Ferrari’s Regret

At the front of the grid, Max Verstappen delivered a clinical performance. Despite narrowly missing pole by just 0.034 seconds to McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, the Dutchman surged into the lead by Turn 2, taking advantage of a momentary lapse from Piastri into the Tamburello chicane. From there, Verstappen was untouchable, controlling the race with characteristic poise and pace.

His win — the second of the 2025 season — not only extended his lead over George Russell in the championship but also reignited internal regret within Ferrari’s leadership. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, senior figures in Maranello have privately admitted they may have been premature in signing Hamilton before exhausting all possibilities with Verstappen, whose future at Red Bull remains increasingly uncertain.

Ferrari’s decision to replace Carlos Sainz with Hamilton was made back in February 2024, granting the British legend a two-year contract. At the time, Verstappen’s long-term commitment to Red Bull appeared firm. But with ongoing turmoil behind the scenes at Red Bull Racing and whispers of contractual escape clauses, many are beginning to wonder whether the Dutchman could have been attainable — had Ferrari waited.

The Missed Opportunity?

The Emilia Romagna GP offered a vivid reminder of Verstappen’s class and why Ferrari long admired him. His composure under pressure, decisive racecraft, and relentless consistency were once again on full display. For Ferrari, the image of Verstappen standing on the top step of the podium in their backyard was a harsh one — especially after such a challenging weekend for their own drivers.

The comparison between Verstappen’s dominance and Ferrari’s struggles could not have been starker. While Leclerc and Hamilton were fighting to claw back lost ground from the midfield, Verstappen was masterfully managing race pace at the front. Ferrari fans couldn’t help but wonder: what if Verstappen had been wearing red?

Future Moves: Verstappen to Ferrari?

Intrigue continues to swirl around Verstappen’s long-term future. Despite a contract with Red Bull that runs through 2028, reports suggest the Dutchman holds exit clauses — including one that could allow him to leave if he is not inside the top three of the drivers’ standings by the summer break. While his win at Imola solidifies his position (currently P2), rumors persist of growing dissatisfaction behind the scenes.

The paddock is now abuzz with speculation that Verstappen could make a shocking move to McLaren in 2026. There is also mounting chatter that Ferrari may seek to bring him in for 2027, especially if Hamilton’s tenure doesn’t deliver the team’s long-awaited championship push. Some even suggest Verstappen could take a sabbatical in 2026 before joining Ferrari — a strategic move that would allow both sides to regroup.

Adding fuel to the fire, Verstappen himself has played coy about his future. When asked about potentially joining Ferrari after Hamilton’s move was confirmed, he simply replied: “Never say never.” For a team desperate to reclaim its former glory, those words carry weight.

Hamilton’s Challenge at Ferrari

Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari was always going to attract attention — and pressure. As one of the sport’s most decorated drivers, expectations were sky-high. His fourth-place finish at Imola, while respectable, still leaves him and the team well behind the likes of Red Bull and McLaren in the current pecking order.

Still, his determination remains evident. Fighting through traffic, exploiting strategic windows, and extracting the most from his SF-25, Hamilton has shown flashes of brilliance. But questions persist about whether Ferrari can provide him with a car capable of challenging for wins consistently — especially with Verstappen and Piastri setting the bar so high.

Looking Ahead

As the F1 circus prepares to move on from Imola and deeper into its European leg, Ferrari finds itself at a crossroads. The performance gap to Red Bull and McLaren remains a concern. Strategic errors, inconsistent qualifying form, and mounting internal pressure are all obstacles the Scuderia must overcome if they hope to return to the top.

For now, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix stands as a microcosm of Ferrari’s 2025 season: full of promise, undermined by missteps, and shadowed by the success of Max Verstappen — the man they didn’t sign.