Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari promise after fighting back in Italy

May 19, 2025

Lewis Hamilton is adamant there is more to come from Ferrari after securing his best finish of the season in the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion started 12th on the grid but made his way through the pack to finish fourth and two places ahead of team-mate Charles Leclerc.

It eased the pressure on Ferrari in front of their home crowd following a disappointing season. Although still awaiting his first podium, it goes some way to restoring hope after finishing eighth in Miami.

Hamilton’s qualifying times will need to improve going forward, and he believes something he has fixed has provided him and Ferrari with plenty of optimism.

He said: “I did think we would make an improvement this weekend with something I’ve fixed. And I think there is more to come.

“The set-up was really good. The car felt really mega and the team did a fantastic job on strategy and pit stops.

“It was a lot of pressure on us with struggling through the year with the car so far, and particularly with our qualifying.

“I don’t remember the last time I had a race like that moving forwards. I’m sure there was one last year but this was different because I’m in the red car. To finally have that connection, that synergy with the car, was a really great feeling.”

Leclerc far from happy

Max Verstappen took victory at Imola ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. However, Leclerc was left far from happy with the miscommunication of his team after having to sacrifice going into the pit for a change of tyres.

Leclerc requested to put on soft tyres; however was provided conflicting statements about Hamilton’s decision to come into the pit. A late change of heart for the Brit meant Leclerc had to abandon his plan, and he fumed on the team radio: “Wait, why?! I haven’t pitted because Lewis has pitted. I’m not going to wait behind him and lose more positions.”

His team then responded: “Now we have to stay out.”

Leclerc is still ahead of Hamilton in the F1 drivers’ standings by eight points.

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