F1 Imola Grand Prix Review: Verstappen and Hamilton Steal the Show

Read about Isack Hadjar's impressive debut and the battle for lead driver at AlphaTauri.

The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix marked a new chapter in the 2025 Formula 1 season, with battle lines drawn and the circus heading to Europe. Finley Crebolder shares his thoughts on the biggest stories in the paddock.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton made headlines, with Verstappen maintaining his pace and Hamilton delivering a strong performance in his first Italian Grand Prix outing. The stage is set for intense battles as the season progresses.

As the season progresses, it's thrilling to see the dynamics unfold. Now that the pecking order has largely taken shape, drivers are settling into their cars, and the year's storylines are starting to emerge. The Imola race was a prime example, offering valuable insights into the current state of the competition. Here are the key takeaways from the event.

Verstappen Remains Unchanged

Max Verstappen seems to be defying the notion that F1 drivers slow down after becoming fathers. Despite welcoming his daughter Lily before the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen showed no signs of becoming more cautious in Imola. In fact, he demonstrated his usual fearless driving style, dispelling any concerns that fatherhood might affect his performance.

Max Verstappen's move was breathtaking. Starting second, he got a slow getaway and was threatened by George Russell, but he made a daring pass on Oscar Piastri, braking late and taking the inside line with incredible speed. The maneuver left him in the lead, and he never looked back, dominating the rest of the race.

Max Verstappen's fearless driving style continues to set him apart, and it's likely to remain a challenge for his rivals. This aggressive approach is great news for the sport, as it often leads to thrilling moments, but it's certainly not ideal for those competing against him.

Ferrari Fans Delight

Ferrari's home race in Imola started on a low note, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton qualifying 11th and 12th. However, the Tifosi were treated to a thrilling drive from Hamilton, who fought his way through the field in Ferrari colors. The phrase “Hammer time” took on a new meaning, bringing joy to Ferrari fans instead of fear, as Hamilton put his foot down and delivered an impressive performance.

Lewis Hamilton was quick from the start, keeping pace with Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes and eventually passing him. The Safety Car period worked in his favor, allowing him to close the gap to the top five with fresher tires. Hamilton then delivered a string of impressive passes, overtaking George Russell, Alex Albon, and Charles Leclerc in the following nine laps to secure his best result of the season. Despite the role luck may have played in beating his teammate, Hamilton's performance showcased his skill and comfort in the car.

The Imola race will likely be the highlight of Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari career so far. He's now experienced the special bond between the team and the Tifosi, which every Ferrari driver has spoken about. Driving for Ferrari is an emotional experience, and Hamilton's tone on team radio in Imola reflected his excitement and upbeat mood, a stark contrast to his frustration in Miami. This high point may well make the challenges worthwhile.

Hadjar Impresses

Isack Hadjar turned heads with his impressive performance, holding off Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton for a long time before finishing ninth and scoring two well-deserved points. The French rookie showed remarkable pace and composure, making it into Q3 and defending his position against faster cars during the race. His ability to stay focused under pressure was particularly notable in the closing stages when the Safety Car bunched up the field.

Welcome to MotoGP Isack Hadjar 🤝

The F1 star is enjoying his time at Le Mans this weekend 🏎️ #MotoGP | #FrenchGP pic.twitter.com/8HPxhKl6ZX

— TNT Sports Bikes (@bikesontnt) May 11, 2025

Isack Hadjar is solidifying his position as the lead driver at AlphaTauri, outperforming teammate Liam Lawson, who struggled to reach the top 10 in qualifying and the race. Christian Horner and Helmut Marko likely took note of Hadjar's performance, especially given Yuki Tsunoda's disappointing qualifying and finish behind Hadjar. Hadjar's dominance can't be solely attributed to Lawson's potential confidence crisis after being dropped by Red Bull, as he was holding his own against Tsunoda before the driver swap.

Yuki Tsunoda's performance suggests that speed in the AlphaTauri doesn't guarantee success in the Red Bull. If Hadjar and Lawson continue to perform as they did in Imola, a driver swap before the season's end is possible.