Following the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc’s emotional reaction contrasted noticeably with Lewis Hamilton’s more optimistic outlook. The race highlighted Ferrari’s fluctuating 2025 season, with Leclerc finishing sixth and Hamilton securing his best result of the year in fourth place. The difference in their responses underscored the challenges facing Ferrari this season.
Despite a rough start in qualifying where both Ferrari cars struggled in Q2, the team managed to recover to place two drivers in the top six finishers. Hamilton praised his progress over recent races, expressing confidence moving forward, while Leclerc appeared visibly disappointed, frustrated by Ferrari’s performance compared to rivals McLaren and Red Bull.
Harry Benjamin on Drivers’ Emotional Responses
Sky Sports F1 commentator Harry Benjamin pointed out this clear emotional divide in a recent podcast episode. He observed that Hamilton seemed upbeat and encouraged by closing the pace gap with Leclerc in the Ferrari.
Benjamin explained,
“I think he will be buoyed by that and optimistic and take that forward.”
Regarding Hamilton’s attitude after the race, he added,
“I think Hamilton is happier, especially after Miami actually where we had all those amazing bits of team radio and you think he’d be absolutely fuming after the race but he wasn’t. He was fairly chipper but that’s what he alluded to. I think he’s just quite happy with the fact he’s closing that gap and on par with Charles Leclerc in terms of outright pace in that Ferrari.”
However, Benjamin contrasted this with Leclerc’s mood, noting a stark difference:
Charles Leclerc seems incredibly despondent – the complete opposite side of the spectrum compared to Hamilton. Bringing that kind of energy isn’t going to help Leclerc at his home weekend either for Monaco.
Benjamin suggested that Leclerc’s despondency could affect his performance and mindset, especially with his home race in Monaco approaching.
Ferrari’s Struggles in the 2025 Season
Ferrari entered the 2025 season with high expectations after narrowly missing out on second place in the previous year’s constructors’ championship, where they finished just 14 points behind McLaren. However, this year has been much more challenging, with Ferrari now trailing by 165 points after only seven races.
The team has managed only one podium finish, which was Leclerc’s third-place result in Saudi Arabia. While last season Ferrari’s strength was in low-speed circuits—helping Leclerc secure a win at Monaco—this year that advantage has diminished.
Benjamin offered a critical assessment of Ferrari’s current performance:
“It’s a bit erratic from Ferrari in terms of the car they’ve brought this year. They were good in slow-speed last year and a twist of fate, and it’s changed up again.”
He also mentioned technical directive changes introduced in Spain, but remained skeptical about their impact.
Highlighting Ferrari’s missed opportunity, Benjamin said,
They were theoretically the second-best team at the end of last year. They should have flown out the blocks at the beginning of the season like McLaren did.
This underperformance has contributed to Ferrari’s difficulties in competing with McLaren and Red Bull, making their early 2025 campaign a source of frustration for the team and drivers alike.
Looking Ahead for Ferrari and Drivers
The contrast between Leclerc’s disappointment and Hamilton’s optimism after Emilia Romagna reveals much about the internal pressures within Ferrari. While Hamilton draws confidence from his improved pace and hopes for a car capable of podium finishes, Leclerc’s response signals concern ahead of vital races, including his home event in Monaco.
Ferrari faces the critical task of developing a more competitive car to turn promising individual performances into consistent race-winning results. Their ability to address these challenges will shape the remainder of the 2025 season and determine if they can reclaim their position among Formula 1’s elite teams.
