F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers Ferrari '...

F1 Results Today: Lewis Hamilton suffers Ferrari ‘…read more

Lewis Hamilton’s much-anticipated debut race weekend on Italian soil as a Ferrari driver has not gone according to the dream script many fans—especially the devoted tifosi—had imagined. Expectations were high as the seven-time Formula 1 world champion arrived at the iconic Imola circuit, donning Ferrari red and hoping to deliver a strong performance in front of the passionate Italian crowd.

However, reality proved to be far more challenging than expected. During the final practice session ahead of Saturday’s crucial qualifying rounds, Hamilton struggled to find pace and rhythm in his SF-24. He ultimately ended the session with only the tenth fastest time, a result that raises concerns for both the driver and the Scuderia as they prepare for the race.

Adding to the disappointment, Hamilton reported an issue over the team radio during the session, saying: “I have floor damage, I ran wide.” The message came after he went off the racing line exiting Turn 18 at Rivazza, a tricky section of the historic Imola circuit. The off-track excursion appears to have caused damage to the car’s floor, an integral aerodynamic component that significantly impacts performance.

The floor of a Formula 1 car is a critical part of the aerodynamic package. It works in conjunction with the car’s underbody to generate downforce while maintaining drag efficiency. Even minor damage to the floor can result in a significant loss of grip and balance, which may explain Hamilton’s lack of pace during the session. Ferrari engineers will now need to assess the extent of the damage and determine whether repairs or replacement parts will be necessary ahead of qualifying.

This setback comes at a time when both Hamilton and Ferrari are under intense scrutiny. The British driver’s high-profile move from Mercedes to Ferrari for the 2025 season has been the talk of the paddock. His arrival was seen as a bold new chapter for both his career and Ferrari’s championship aspirations. Naturally, fans were hopeful that Hamilton could deliver immediate results, especially at a circuit like Imola, where Ferrari has a rich history and emotional resonance.

But the weekend has highlighted the challenges still facing the Maranello-based team. Although Ferrari has made strides in performance in recent seasons, they are still playing catch-up to Red Bull and McLaren, both of whom have looked more competitive so far this season. Hamilton’s struggles during practice underscore the work that remains for Ferrari if they are to return to consistent race-winning form.

For Hamilton himself, the learning curve at Ferrari continues. Adjusting to a new car, a different engineering team, and new systems takes time, even for a driver of his caliber. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has had more experience in the Ferrari setup and may be better poised to extract performance under current conditions.

While a P10 finish in final practice isn’t necessarily indicative of where Hamilton will qualify or finish in the race, it does add pressure going into qualifying. With Ferrari fans filling the grandstands and all eyes on the British star, expectations remain high. Hamilton, known for his ability to bounce back under pressure, will no doubt aim to regroup and deliver a stronger performance in the sessions ahead.

In the meantime, Ferrari will work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the car is in optimal shape for qualifying. Whether Hamilton can overcome this early setback and turn his Italian debut into a memorable moment remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—his journey with Ferrari has begun with a dose of adversity, setting the stage for what promises to be an eventful chapter in F1 history.