Lewis Hamilton’s first qualifying run as a Ferrari driver on Italian soil turned into a somber affair at Imola, marking a challenging moment in what has been a tough season.
While fans were hopeful for a breakthrough, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix’s qualifying session saw Ferrari falter when both Hamilton and Charles Leclerc exited in Q2. The scene was a blow as Ferrari’s rival, former driver Carlos Sainz, now with Williams, topped the times.
Hamilton expressed his disappointment, feeling betrayed by a car he thought was well-prepped. “Devastated. I feel just gutted,” he stated, revealing the setup felt optimal, yet they couldn’t achieve the desired speed. Meanwhile, Leclerc commented on the car’s lack of performance, stating, “We are just P-nowhere at the moment,” signaling Ferrari’s struggles this season.
Speculation about the root of Ferrari’s problems falls heavily on previous technical decisions made before Loic Serra’s arrival. Despite some pointing fingers at Serra, Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur clarified that most of the car’s design was established prior to Serra joining. Vasseur took ownership of the situation, acknowledging past mistakes with the car, while dismissing the notion that the team’s structure is at fault. “Even if you’re in first place, you know you have to keep improving,” he remarked, emphasizing the relentless nature of motorsport competition.
With Ferrari fourth in the Constructors’ Championship, Vasseur faces the grueling task of advancing the team amid stiff competition and changing regulations. He remains optimistic about finding improvements, despite the setbacks. Vasseur expressed confidence in the team’s capability, highlighting the importance of extracting the car’s potential before leaping into next year’s technical developments.
For the upcoming Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Vasseur is counting on strategy and a dash of risk-taking to regain ground. Ferrari’s fans, the Tifosi, remain hopeful for a reason to cheer, as both drivers focus on overcoming the challenging circuit despite the car’s limitations.
Ferrari’s journey this season encapsulates a blend of missteps and challenges, with the team striving for improvement. While the recent qualifying session didn’t go as planned, the resolve to adapt and overcome underlines Ferrari’s commitment to compete at the highest level.
