Ferrari Fans Face Disappointment as Hamilton Struggles, McLaren Dominates Italian GP Practice

Posted : 06 September 2025

Ferrari supporters arrived at Monza this weekend hoping for a revival in Lewis Hamilton's first season with the Scuderia, but early signs suggest the team continues to struggle. Despite the fanfare, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish in 2025, and Ferrari has managed only four podiums without a single Grand Prix victory this season. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, has consistently outperformed him, leaving Hamilton 42 points adrift and 200 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.

Many fans, like 19-year-old Luca Spagnoli, voiced their disillusionment. "We all hoped Hamilton would win his eighth world title with Ferrari; it would have been really romantic. This season is basically done," he said. Similarly, long-time Ferrari supporter Anna Rinaldi recalled her excitement at Hamilton’s arrival but tempered expectations: "I hope they’re focusing on next year because this season has been disappointing."

Hamilton’s challenges extend beyond performance. He received a five-place grid penalty at Monza for failing to slow under yellow flags at the Dutch Grand Prix. Despite this, the seven-time world champion began the weekend positively, setting the fastest time in Friday’s first practice. Hamilton described his debut season in red as an "emotional rollercoaster" and expressed renewed enthusiasm for driving at Ferrari.

However, local fan groups were skeptical about Ferrari’s immediate prospects. Massimo Pilotto, president of a Ferrari fan club from Piedmont, said Formula One had become "a sport about image" and noted that Hamilton had yet to fully settle after twelve years at Mercedes. Fellow member Antonio Muzio questioned Hamilton’s signing, suggesting Ferrari should have invested in younger talent instead.

Meanwhile, McLaren dominated Friday’s second practice session. Lando Norris topped the times with a lap of 1:19.878, narrowly ahead of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Norris, who suffered a mechanical failure at last weekend’s Dutch GP, trails teammate Piastri by 34 points in the championship but looked in fine form despite a minor wing mirror issue. Piastri, absent from the first practice session, was fourth fastest, just ahead of Hamilton.

The session saw interruptions, including a 10-minute halt after French rookie Isack Hadjar slid into the gravel, while Italian Kimi Antonelli also crashed early in the session. As the weekend unfolds, Ferrari fans continue to hope Hamilton can salvage some pride at the “Temple of Speed”, but McLaren’s strong pace underscores the uphill battle for the iconic Italian team.

Ferrari Fans Face Disappointment as Hamilton Struggles, McLaren Dominates Italian GP Practice

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