F1 news: Lewis Hamilton faces the heat as Ferrari return home to Imola under pressure

As Formula 1 returns to Europe with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix this weekend, all eyes are on Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari.

What was meant to be a triumphant homecoming for both has turned into a critical pressure point, with performance woes, technical doubts, and mounting expectations clouding the Scuderia’s campaign.

Here, Sports News Blitz writer Noah Ngcobo provides a breakdown of where things stand and what’s at stake for Hamilton and Ferrari at Imola.

A tough start to a highly-anticipated chapter

Lewis Hamilton’s winter move from Mercedes to Ferrari was one of the most seismic shifts the sport has seen in recent years.

Expectations soared, particularly after Ferrari closed 2024 on a strong note. Many believed the legendary British driver could help Ferrari return to championship-winning form.

Instead, the opening six rounds of the 2025 season have painted a starkly different picture.

Hamilton is currently seventh in the drivers’ standings, trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by 90 points.

His team-mate, Charles Leclerc, has only marginally outperformed him, and both drivers found themselves well off the pace in Miami - Ferrari’s worst race of the season so far.

Speaking ahead of Imola, Hamilton admitted the transition has been more demanding than he anticipated.

“I came in with a really open mind. I didn’t know how tough it was going to be,” he said. “It’s as challenging as it could ever be on all fronts.”

Ferrari’s car concept under scrutiny

Much of the frustration stems from Ferrari’s decision to revamp its car for 2025, rather than build on the momentum of their 2024 package.

The move included a fundamental change to the rear suspension, switching from a push rod to a pull rod design.

Critics are now questioning whether a more evolutionary approach would have kept them in closer contention with front-runners like McLaren and Red Bull.

The team’s current package has struggled with balance and rear-end grip, leaving the car vulnerable to oversteer and inconsistency.

These issues were laid bare in Miami, where Hamilton finished a full minute behind race winner Piastri.

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Imola: A pivotal moment for Ferrari’s 2025 campaign

Imola marks the first of Ferrari’s two home races, and while the tifosi will arrive with passion and hope, the mood is undeniably tense.

Team principal Fred Vasseur is under increasing scrutiny, with some questioning whether the current project - his first fully under his leadership - is headed in the right direction.

This weekend also serves as a crucial checkpoint in terms of development.

While Ferrari are bringing upgrades to Imola, the major improvements are being saved for Barcelona.

How these tweaks perform will likely dictate whether the team continues investing in 2025 or shifts focus to the new regulations coming in 2026.

“There’s only a small window left before teams will have to decide where to put their resources,” said Sky Sport Italia’s Vicky Piria.

“If Ferrari don’t make progress now, the attention will quickly turn to next year.”

Tension and team orders

The pressure has also started spilling over into team dynamics.

In Miami, Ferrari’s hesitation over issuing clear team orders led to a tense exchange between Hamilton and Vasseur over the radio.

Hamilton reportedly told the team boss not to “be so sensitive,” a sign that frustration is bubbling within the camp.

Despite this, Hamilton maintains a determined outlook.

He still believes Ferrari can turn things around.

“You have to believe we’ll find it,” he said. “I’m not arriving into the weekend thinking we’re seventh and eighth. I’m thinking about how we’re going to win.”

The road ahead

Ferrari’s season has reached a critical crossroads. Imola and the next few races will determine whether the team continues to push for results in 2025 or pivots to planning for 2026.

For Hamilton, this stretch is equally pivotal. His legacy at Ferrari and the potential to add to his seven world titles may depend on how quickly the team can respond.

The tifosi may be emotional and at times unforgiving, but as Piria notes: “It only takes one good race for the belief to return.”

Imola, then, is not just another race. It’s Ferrari’s chance to reset, and Hamilton’s opportunity to remind the world what he’s capable of - given the right tools.

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