F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers Ferrari ‘damage’ i…..read more
F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers Ferrari ‘damage’ i…..read more
Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut Italian Grand Prix weekend as a Ferrari driver has taken a disappointing turn, falling short of the fairytale many had hoped for. As qualifying approached on Saturday, the seven-time world champion found himself on the back foot, having endured a difficult final practice session at the Imola circuit.
Hamilton only managed to secure the 10th fastest time during FP3, a result that highlighted his ongoing challenges adapting to the Ferrari setup. The Briton’s frustrations became apparent over team radio when he reported floor damage after running wide at the Rivazza section, particularly exiting Turn 18. “I have floor damage, I ran wide,” he said, hinting at the trouble that compromised his session.
The Imola track presented multiple difficulties for teams, with conditions proving less favorable than expected. A significant factor affecting performance was the overnight adjustment made by Pirelli, the official tyre supplier, who lowered tyre pressures. This move, combined with a notable drop in track temperatures, had a major impact on tyre behavior—especially the soft compounds. As a result, many drivers struggled to post competitive lap times on the soft tyres, sometimes failing to improve on their previous runs made on medium compounds.
One of the most dramatic moments of the day involved Max Verstappen. The reigning world champion and Red Bull driver brought out the red flags after a crash, adding to a weekend that has proven more complicated for him and his team than initially anticipated. Verstappen’s off-track moment disrupted the session and raised questions about Red Bull’s grip on the competition in changing conditions.
Meanwhile, McLaren has emerged as the standout team so far during the race weekend. Building on their strong pace from Friday, the Woking-based outfit continued to look competitive in Saturday’s final practice. Lando Norris once again demonstrated impressive form, narrowly outperforming his teammate Oscar Piastri during their qualifying simulations. McLaren’s speed and consistency across different tyre compounds and track conditions underline their growing threat at the front of the grid.
The contrast between McLaren’s upward momentum and Ferrari’s struggles was stark. Ferrari had entered the weekend with high hopes, especially with the home support from the passionate tifosi at Imola. However, Hamilton’s off-track excursion and Charles Leclerc’s inconsistent pace have dampened the mood in the red garage.
As qualifying looms, the focus for Ferrari will be on damage limitation and making the most of any opportunities that arise. With changing weather and track conditions continuing to play a role, teams will need to adapt quickly if they hope to find an edge. For Hamilton, Saturday represents a chance to reset and push forward after a challenging start to his Imola campaign.
