JUST IN:Hamilton drama in Imola as F1 star hit by…read more 

The 2025 Formula 1 season delivered another intense and drama-filled weekend as the championship battle heated up at the historic Imola Grand Prix in Italy. While all eyes were initially on McLaren following a strong run of form, it was Red Bull’s Max Verstappen who stormed back into the spotlight with a commanding performance that reestablished his dominance. However, the bigger story of the weekend was arguably Lewis Hamilton, who found himself at the center of controversy and adversity after receiving a massive 20-place grid penalty.

Hamilton’s weekend began with high expectations, but things quickly spiraled out of control. The seven-time world champion struggled in the early free practice sessions and was unable to find a rhythm with his Mercedes car. Just as his team seemed poised to turn things around ahead of qualifying, news broke that Hamilton had been handed a 20-place grid demotion following multiple component changes to his power unit — a punishment mandated by F1’s regulations to prevent teams from frequently swapping engines or critical parts for performance gains.

The penalty left Hamilton with a seemingly impossible task ahead of Sunday’s race: starting from the back of the grid at a circuit known for its narrow layout and limited overtaking opportunities. Nonetheless, Hamilton responded in typical champion fashion, delivering a remarkable comeback drive that reminded fans of his immense talent and resilience.

As the lights went out at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, Verstappen capitalized on his front-row start, quickly pulling away from the field and asserting control of the race. Behind him, the McLaren duo—Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—fought hard to keep pace, having come into the weekend as favorites following their recent streak of podium finishes. However, their challenge fell short, as Verstappen managed his tires and strategy perfectly to secure another crucial victory in the title race.

Meanwhile, Hamilton set the track alight from the back of the pack. In a display of masterful racecraft and determination, he carved his way through the field, pulling off several daring overtakes and executing flawless strategy with the help of his Mercedes pit wall. By the closing stages of the race, he had surged into the points and continued to climb, eventually finishing just outside the podium in an impressive fourth place.

Although Hamilton missed out on a top-three finish, his drive was hailed by fans and pundits alike as one of the highlights of the season. Many considered it a statement of intent from the veteran driver, who has endured a mixed season filled with both promising pace and frustrating setbacks.

After the race, Hamilton addressed the penalty in an interview, expressing frustration over the reliability issues that led to the component changes, but also pride in his team’s recovery. “It’s never easy starting from the back, especially here at Imola,” Hamilton said. “But we gave it everything. The team did a fantastic job with the car, and I just focused on giving my best. Obviously, we didn’t get the result we wanted in qualifying, but the race showed what we’re capable of.”

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff also praised Hamilton’s performance, calling it “a champion’s drive” and hinting that the team is making strides toward solving their reliability concerns. As for Verstappen, his win puts him back on top in the championship fight, especially as McLaren failed to capitalize on their recent momentum.

With the season approaching its halfway point, the title race remains wide open. The Imola Grand Prix offered a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in Formula 1 — and how a driver’s determination can turn a disastrous weekend into a showcase of brilliance.