Following a very disappointing start to the 2025 Formula 1 season, Sky Sport Italia`s Vicky Piria discusses the feeling among the “tifosi” (Ferrari fans) as the team returns home for this weekend`s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
After a strong end to 2024 and with Lewis Hamilton joining from Mercedes, Ferrari was expected to compete for both the drivers` and constructors` championships.
However, the reigning constructors` champions, McLaren, have been dominant, while Red Bull and Mercedes have shown much stronger performance than Ferrari in the first six races.
Worryingly for Ferrari, their weakest performance occurred most recently in Miami, where Hamilton finished eighth, a minute behind winner Oscar Piastri, and his teammate Charles Leclerc was only three seconds quicker in seventh place.
From Ferrari`s perspective, the timing for the first of their two home races on the 2025 calendar, with Imola hosting this weekend before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September, is perhaps not ideal.
Car Changes Questioned as High Expectations Not Met
Former W Series driver and Sky Sport Italia pundit Vicky Piria believes the high hopes before the season began have made the team`s slow start even more difficult to accept.
She commented, “The excitement was immense, but things have deteriorated, especially after Miami, which was quite poor for Ferrari. The gap to McLaren for Lewis was a minute, which was certainly unexpected by Italians.”
“I think Fred Vasseur, since he started at Ferrari, has always been cautious about managing expectations. But this year felt different; everyone was truly excited.”
“Now, naturally, everyone is a bit disappointed.”
Ferrari notably revised their 2024 car despite finishing the previous season exceptionally strong, leading some to question recently if focusing on developing last year`s model further might have been a better approach.
Piria stated, “People are asking, `You finished last season strongly, why did you completely change the car?`”
“The change from push-rod to pull-rod suspension, and significant alterations to the rear suspension, seem to be Ferrari`s current challenge, struggling to keep the rear planted, leading to slipperiness and considerable oversteer.”
`The Tifosi Passion is Too Strong for Booing`
Although there is frustration regarding Ferrari`s performance this season, Piria believes the “tifosi” will arrive in Imola full of optimism for a potential turnaround in their recent form.
She commented, “Ultimately, the passion is so intense that I don`t think people will boo Ferrari. Fans will definitely be cheering for the team and hoping for a positive result.”
“The season is still long. If we look back, it was around this time in 2024 that McLaren significantly improved, so they definitely believe that a comeback is still possible.”
“There will certainly be frustration. Italians are known for being very emotional; I am one myself. So, that sentiment will surely be present.”
“Considering Lewis Hamilton`s sprint victory in China and his podium finish in Miami, it takes a considerable time for the `tifosi` to truly get angry and disappointed, but they regain hope very quickly.”
“And I truly believe that if things aren`t going well, it just takes one strong race for them to truly celebrate again.”
`Last Chance to Avoid Focus Switching to 2026`
Nearly every team in the paddock is expected to introduce significant upgrades at Imola, as the first European race of the season is typically when major new components arrive.
This year`s updates at Imola are considered even more crucial than usual because of the significant rule changes coming next year, meaning teams not contending for wins are likely to redirect their resources and focus towards 2026.
Piria commented, “There are obviously some upgrades. The sense is that everyone will rush to introduce upgrades at this point in the year, because waiting too long might be too late.”
“Later in the season, I think teams need to shift their focus and resources to 2026. So, these upcoming two or three races are really when teams, particularly Ferrari, will introduce upgrades.”
“It`s genuinely important that these upgrades are effective, because if they work and allow them to get closer to the frontrunners, they can continue investing in this year`s car. Otherwise, I believe they will need to switch their attention to 2026, which is what Ferrari will have to do.”
“That`s why Imola will be crucial. Imola and Barcelona will truly be two pivotal testing grounds to determine if the focus should remain on the 2025 season or immediately shift to 2026.”
“Honestly, if they are still significantly off the pace in Barcelona, it`s probably wiser for them to focus on next year.”
`A Lot of Pressure on Vasseur`
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has generally had a successful period since taking the helm at the start of 2023, but he will likely face increasing pressure if the team`s difficulties continue.
Piria commented, “If we consider it, this is the first year that is entirely `Fred`s` responsibility. He has his technical team, he oversaw the car development, he has the drivers he selected, and things are not performing as expected.”
“We`ve observed with this F1 car that even small factors can cause it to underperform or perform exceptionally well. So, I still believe there`s a chance for them to improve significantly.”
“This is something we often see in Italian football; as soon as a team underperforms, they change the coach. So, there will definitely be a lot of pressure on Fred.”
“There was pressure on Mattia Binotto in the past when the team wasn`t performing well, so knowing the `tifosi`, there will be pressure. However, we are talking about mere tenths of a second, and it doesn`t take much to dramatically alter the situation.”
“But if the performance seen in Miami continues in the upcoming races, then there will definitely be pressure on Fred.”
`Kimi-mania` to Provide Welcome Distraction?
There has been some Italian success for the motorsport-loving nation to enjoy, with Andrea Kimi Antonelli having a promising start to his rookie season with Mercedes.
The 18-year-old secured his first F1 pole position in the Miami Grand Prix Sprint and has captured the affection of many Italians as he gets ready for his home race.
Piria stated, “There is immense excitement for Kimi. I think Italians didn`t expect him to be so quick, so charismatic, and to truly embrace his Italian heritage.”
“He`s bringing lasagna for the whole team on Thursday, which is something Italians will adore. I believe a lot of attention is shifting towards Kimi.”
“I think there was anticipation for Kimi, but the `tifosi` absolutely did not expect Kimi to be so fast and charismatic. Now, it`s become a `Kimi-mania`, especially after his pole position in Miami.”
“This race will be very important for Kimi because he knows the track exceptionally well. He did quite a bit of testing here in the F1 car last year. It`s a track he`s familiar with, where he feels comfortable, and he`s coming off a strong performance in Miami where he felt good.”
“So, I think there will be another step up in his pace, potentially challenging George (Russell) in some way. Thus, I truly believe there will be high expectations for him.”
Gilbert Pendleton