F1 Dutch GP disaster: Italian outlets label Lewis Hamilton’s performance ‘inexcusable’. Italian media criticise Lewis Hamilton’s Dutch GP performance as “disastrous”.

Italian media slam Lewis Hamilton while praising Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc after Dutch Grand Prix

Italian outlets were unanimous in their assessment of the Dutch Grand Prix, highlighting both Ferrari’s struggles and Max Verstappen’s stellar performance. Daily newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport emphasised the contrasting fortunes of the drivers, noting Verstappen’s impressive second-place finish while Lewis Hamilton crashed out.

The publication described Ferrari’s weekend as “shattered,” pointing to Kimi Antonelli’s collision with Charles Leclerc and Hamilton’s “disastrous” performance. Leclerc faced his own share of bad luck, but his overtaking manoeuvre on George Russell drew comparisons to Valentino Rossi’s iconic pass on Marc Marquez at Assen in 2015, showcasing his skill and determination under pressure.

Gazzetta dello Sport also praised McLaren’s strong showing, highlighting Oscar Piastri’s dominance from qualifying through to the race and Isack Hadjar’s promising performance, signalling a bright future for the young French driver. Verstappen, meanwhile, was lauded for making a decisive impact in front of his home fans, demonstrating why he remains one of the sport’s most formidable talents.

Italian media critique Hamilton’s Dutch GP performance

While Charles Leclerc’s fighting spirit was widely celebrated, Lewis Hamilton faced far harsher criticism. His weekend was viewed as underwhelming, and his five-place grid penalty for Monza has further complicated his situation. Corriere della Sera described his performance as falling short at critical moments, suggesting that despite his hunger to compete, the opportunity for a strong result appears increasingly unlikely.

The outlet described Hamilton’s mistake as “inexcusable,” highlighting how the crash and errors at Zandvoort have raised serious concerns about his 2025 campaign. His inability to capitalise on chaotic race conditions contrasted sharply with the performances of other drivers, further emphasizing the severity of his struggles.

Leclerc and Hadjar earn praise amid Ferrari chaos

In contrast, Corriere dello Sport highlighted Leclerc’s determination and skill despite his unlucky weekend. The Monegasque driver, pushed off track by Antonelli, showed resilience reminiscent of Ferrari’s last double DNF in 2020 at the Styrian Grand Prix, when Vettel and Leclerc both retired. Leclerc’s overtaking move on Russell was described as “Rossi-like,” demonstrating his aggressive yet calculated racing approach.

The Italian press also celebrated Isack Hadjar as the standout performer of the day. The young Frenchman impressed with a breakthrough podium, proving his potential to challenge established drivers. Hamilton, by comparison, was deemed the weakest link on the weekend, struggling to match Leclerc’s pace and failing to convert opportunities into points.

Overall, the Dutch Grand Prix underscored Ferrari’s ongoing challenges and Hamilton’s uncharacteristic difficulties, while Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Isack Hadjar emerged as the drivers who truly shaped the race narrative. With Monza approaching, Ferrari will need to address both strategic and technical issues to recover, while Hamilton faces mounting pressure to regain form.