Ferrari staff reveal their feelings on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc’s Italian GP performance. Ferrari left Monza with mixed emotions as Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc maximized the SF-25.

Ferrari at Monza: recovery drive, tifosi passion and mixed emotions after Italian Grand Prix

After the disappointment of Zandvoort, where Ferrari endured a nightmare weekend with a double retirement, the Italian Grand Prix represented a vital opportunity for redemption. The team from Maranello arrived at Monza determined to reset their season in front of their home supporters. Yet, despite a stronger showing, the wait for their first victory of the 2025 Formula 1 campaign continues.

The Dutch Grand Prix had left deep scars within the Ferrari camp. Lewis Hamilton, still in the early stages of his Scuderia journey, crashed out on lap 23 at Turn 3’s banking, while Charles Leclerc was eliminated later in the race after contact with Andrea Kimi Antonelli at the same corner. The double DNF piled pressure onto Ferrari, making the Italian Grand Prix not only symbolic but essential for morale, the constructors’ championship and for restoring faith among the tifosi.

Ferrari’s rallying cry answered by the tifosi

In the build-up to Monza, Hamilton urged Ferrari’s fans to stand behind the team, and the response from the stands was deafening. As the seven-time world champion prepared for his first Italian Grand Prix in the scarlet red, the tifosi welcomed him with roars even louder than those reserved for Leclerc, a reflection of how quickly he has been embraced as one of their own.

Despite carrying a five-place grid penalty from Zandvoort, which dropped him to 10th on the grid, Hamilton mounted an aggressive comeback. He produced a strong recovery drive to finish sixth, proving both his consistency and determination. Meanwhile, Leclerc battled Oscar Piastri in the early laps, raising hopes of a podium finish. Although he eventually fell short and settled for fourth, the Monegasque maximised the SF-25’s performance over the course of the race.

Inside Ferrari’s garage: mechanics see the ‘maximum’ from Hamilton and Leclerc

The result left Ferrari 20 points ahead of Mercedes in the constructors’ standings, a positive step in the championship fight even though the tifosi were denied a podium celebration as Max Verstappen took another dominant win ahead of both McLaren drivers. Interestingly, the Ferrari garage did not appear overly discouraged. Journalists in the paddock reported that many mechanics felt Hamilton and Leclerc had extracted the absolute maximum from the SF-25, a car that was clearly behind the pace of Max Verstappen’s Red Bull and the McLarens.

Aaron Deckers of RacingNews365 explained that Ferrari insiders viewed the weekend as stronger than it appeared from the outside. They had seen encouraging performance during Friday practice and Saturday morning sessions. Yet, when it mattered most in qualifying, Ferrari were decisively beaten by their rivals, leaving the race as more of a damage-limitation exercise. According to reports from within the team, there was quiet recognition that the drivers had reached the ceiling of what was possible under current conditions, with little more left on the table.

Former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, interviewed at Monza, was visibly deflated when discussing the team’s situation, underscoring how much expectation weighed on the Scuderia during their home race. His mood reflected the reality that Ferrari had hoped to mount a stronger challenge to McLaren at Monza, but their ambitions ultimately fell short.

McLaren battle slips away despite optimism

There had been genuine belief within Maranello that Ferrari could push McLaren hard on Italian soil. The SF-25’s performance data suggested incremental gains, and many within the team privately hoped a podium could be achieved. In the end, those ambitions proved too ambitious. Charles Leclerc crossed the line in fourth, four seconds behind Oscar Piastri and a distant 25 seconds adrift of Verstappen. Hamilton trailed a further 12 seconds behind in sixth but remained upbeat about his weekend, insisting that progress was being made.

Nico Rosberg, who had previously criticised the Briton’s adaptation to the Ferrari, altered his stance after Monza. He was impressed to see the Brit displaying positivity and confidence, qualities he felt had been missing earlier in the season. Nico Rosberg noted that Lewis Hamilton appeared mentally refreshed and more settled in his new environment, which could prove crucial for Ferrari as the campaign progresses.

Lewis Hamilton resets his mindset as Ferrari eye the future

Lewis Hamilton himself suggested that Monza marked a psychological turning point. He explained that in his own mind, it felt like the beginning of a new chapter following the summer break. This renewed focus comes at a critical juncture, with Ferrari still searching for their first victory of 2025 but showing small signs of closing the gap to the leaders.

While Red Bull and McLaren remain the benchmark teams, Ferrari’s performances at Monza demonstrated incremental improvement and renewed energy within the camp. The tifosi, although denied a podium, left the circuit encouraged by Hamilton’s determination and Leclerc’s fighting spirit. The road ahead is still challenging, but Monza suggested Ferrari are regaining direction and building momentum for the long battles that lie ahead in the championship.