F1 News Today: Hamilton drama in Imola as F1 star hit by 20-place

F1 News Today: Hamilton drama in Imola as F1 star hit by 20-place dem…read more

At the 2025 Imola Grand Prix, Formula 1 fans witnessed a thrilling turnaround as Max Verstappen disrupted McLaren’s recent dominance, while Lewis Hamilton staged an impressive comeback following a tough start to the weekend. Despite facing setbacks during qualifying and reports of a 20-place grid penalty, Hamilton managed to turn his fortunes around on race day with a spirited performance.

The qualifying session was far from ideal for the seven-time world champion, as he and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were both eliminated before reaching Q3. The disappointing session put Hamilton in a challenging position for the main event. Yet, showcasing his racing prowess and determination, Hamilton worked his way through the field to ultimately secure a fourth-place finish – his best result of the season so far.

The weekend began with drama for Hamilton, as he faced a 20-place grid penalty verdict. Although details surrounding the penalty stirred plenty of speculation and concern among fans, Hamilton remained composed. With a steep mountain to climb on Sunday, few expected the British driver to end up battling at the front. However, his race pace and strategy allowed him to steadily make up ground during the race, ultimately surpassing both Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc in the closing laps.

In the final 10 laps of the Grand Prix, Hamilton’s performance peaked as he executed a decisive series of overtakes, showcasing both his experience and skill. Overtaking Albon and then Ferrari’s Leclerc in the dying moments of the race, Hamilton surged into P4, bringing Mercedes one of their most promising results of the 2025 season.

Hamilton’s late charge thrilled the fans in attendance, particularly the passionate Italian tifosi, who he later acknowledged during his post-race celebrations. His emotional tribute to the crowd highlighted the deep connection he feels with the fans in Imola, even as a rival to Ferrari.

The result marked a significant rebound for Hamilton and the Mercedes team, whose performances have largely been overshadowed by the resurgence of McLaren and Red Bull this season. While Verstappen stood tall on the podium after breaking McLaren’s winning streak, much of the attention remained on Hamilton’s remarkable drive through the pack.

Ultimately, the Imola Grand Prix was a showcase of grit, skill, and resilience from one of F1’s most iconic figures, and a reminder that Hamilton remains a fierce competitor, even when starting from the back of the grid.