Charles Leclerc expressed disappointment after both Ferrari drivers experienced struggles during qualifying for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, with Lewis Hamilton qualifying 12th and Leclerc just one position ahead in 11th. Hamilton, in his first season with Ferrari, described his feelings as “devastated” and “gutted” after what was the team’s worst combined qualifying result of the year.
Both drivers acknowledged difficulties in finding pace on the challenging Imola circuit, particularly highlighting issues with car setup and performance. Hamilton remarked on the disparity in speed between himself and competitors like Max Verstappen, noting that despite having a new soft tire, he didn’t experience the expected boost in grip.
Leclerc echoed Hamilton’s sentiments, indicating that the potential of their cars currently does not meet expectations. He mentioned, “This hurts,” and voiced skepticism about a significant turnaround in race day performance, although he expressed a wish to produce a miraculous result.
Hamilton went on to comment about the challenges of overtaking at Imola, noting that the narrow nature of the circuit could lead to a lack of movement during the race. Despite these challenges, he held a glimmer of hope regarding their race pace and expressed appreciation for the support from Italian fans, saying it felt “magical” and highlighting the passionate connection the fans have with Ferrari.
The anticipation for the race remains high, especially with a sellout crowd expected, fueled by Hamilton’s recent move to Ferrari. Fans and team members alike are hopeful that the drivers can overcome their qualifying hurdles during the race, showcasing the spirit of competition even amidst challenging circumstances.