F1 Qualifying Results: Chaos in Imola as Lewis Hamilton suffers after….readmore
The qualifying session for the 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola turned out to be a dramatic affair, delivering surprises and heartbreaks that few saw coming. In a day filled with unexpected twists, both Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc were eliminated in the second qualifying session (Q2), marking a disappointing day for two of Formula 1’s most iconic names.
Ferrari, racing on home soil and under intense scrutiny from passionate tifosi, faced a crushing blow as both their drivers failed to reach Q3. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz were unable to produce the pace required when it mattered most. Their elimination was especially painful considering the team’s aspirations to perform well in front of their home crowd at Imola. The outcome triggered frustration among fans and raised concerns about the team’s current trajectory, especially with Leclerc failing to extract performance in a session where others around him improved in the closing stages.
Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton also faced disappointment, unable to push his Mercedes into the top ten shootout. It was a rare off-day for the seven-time world champion, who struggled to match the pace of his rivals in changing track conditions. Despite making steady improvements through the earlier part of the session, Hamilton lacked the grip and performance in Q2 to make it through, continuing what has been an inconsistent season so far.
In contrast, Aston Martin’s daring strategic move proved decisive. Choosing to go against the grain, the team opted to run on medium compound tyres during Q2—a choice that raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off. Both drivers, Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll, managed to secure sixth and seventh places respectively, securing their spots in the final qualifying segment while simultaneously knocking out both Ferraris in the process. Their bold tyre call demonstrated sharp awareness of the evolving track conditions and showed Aston Martin’s willingness to take calculated risks in their bid for competitive positioning.
The final segment of qualifying (Q3) featured less drama but no shortage of speed. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri delivered a standout performance, taking his maiden pole position with a stunning lap that edged out reigning champion Max Verstappen by just 0.034 seconds. George Russell in the other Mercedes managed to salvage some pride for the team by qualifying third. Lando Norris and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top five.
However, the real story from Imola remains the missed opportunity for Ferrari at home and the ongoing struggles of Lewis Hamilton. The combination of strategic missteps, underwhelming pace, and stiff competition cost them dearly. Aston Martin’s boldness stood in stark contrast, highlighting how crucial timing and tactical decisions are in Formula 1’s razor-thin margins.
As teams prepare for the race day, the stage is set for an intense battle—not only for podium places but for redemption. Ferrari will be eager to make up lost ground, while Hamilton will look to bounce back. But for now, it’s Aston Martin and McLaren basking in the success of a chaotic, memorable qualifying session at Imola.
