Thousands of Ferrari fans gathered at Imola’s Autodromo to watch Lewis Hamilton race his first Italian Grand Prix in Ferrari colors. The crowd, dressed mostly in red, filled the stands and the streets near the Maranello factory. The energy and support from the tifosi showed their strong passion and high expectations for the new season.
Hamilton’s move from Mercedes to Ferrari has been eagerly anticipated for over a year. However, Ferrari’s SF-25 car has struggled with speed and consistency. Hamilton is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings, trailing the leader Oscar Piastri by 90 points. Ferrari is in fourth place in the constructors’ championship, behind its main rivals.
Hamilton’s sprint race win in China was a rare bright spot but did not signal a clear turnaround. In Miami, the team’s performance was weaker, finishing seventh and eighth, competing closely with teams like Williams. Adjusting to Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes has been difficult for Hamilton. He has had to adapt to new team dynamics and a car that does not yet perform at the highest level.
The pressure is high, especially at home races like Imola. Despite this, Hamilton remains motivated. The fans in Italy continue to show strong loyalty. Many wore custom Hamilton gear and expressed hope that he will eventually win races for Ferrari. Hamilton himself has noticed the depth of support and passion from the tifosi.
During practice at Imola, Hamilton finished fifth, trailing the leading McLarens driven by Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. Piastri set the pace again in the afternoon, followed closely by Norris, Alpine’s Pierre Gasly, Mercedes’ George Russell, and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. Ferrari remains just behind the top teams, highlighting the challenge ahead.
Although the season started slower than expected, the support from Italian fans offers Hamilton time and encouragement to grow with the team. The tifosi believe that victories will come in the future even if they have not arrived yet.