Lewis Hamilton Embraces Challenge Ahead of First Monza Race for Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza this weekend facing a fresh challenge: a five-place grid penalty handed down for not slowing sufficiently during the reconnaissance laps at the Dutch Grand Prix. The seven-time Formula 1 champion, who crashed out alongside Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc at Zandvoort, says the setback “gives me more to fight for” as he prepares for his debut Monza race with the iconic Scuderia.
Hamilton, who was “shocked” when the penalty and licence points were confirmed after the Dutch race, admitted the ruling was harsh. “I did lift. But to their liking, not enough. To get the penalty and penalty points was pretty hardcore,” he said. “Qualifying is already so close between us all. Just getting into Q3 is tough, getting into the top five is very tough. And then on top of that, to be set back five places is not great. But it gives me more motivation to make up those places regardless.”
The Briton has been embracing the Ferrari experience off the track as well. On Wednesday, he appeared at a fan event in Milan attended by around 7,000 supporters, and earlier visited the Ferrari factory in Maranello, where enthusiastic fans lined the gates. “I still have to pinch myself about being a Ferrari driver,” Hamilton said. “There is clearly so much love for this brand, and to feel that passion firsthand was intense. I really tried to harness all the positive energy they gave us.”
Hamilton’s first months at Ferrari have been a learning curve. While he secured victory in the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, he has yet to stand on a full-race podium with the team. Sitting sixth in the drivers’ championship with 109 points, 200 behind leader Oscar Piastri, Hamilton remains optimistic. “This one is really living the dream, moving to race with Ferrari. There has been a lot of adjustment from both sides to accommodate me. The harder it is, the better it can make you. It really prepares us for better days ahead.”
Meanwhile, Williams has lodged a right of review for Carlos Sainz’s 10-second penalty from Zandvoort, where he collided with Racing Bulls’ Liam Lawson. Sainz described the penalty as “ridiculous” and believes the stewards reconsidered after reviewing the evidence. “As soon as they got all the evidence right, it was clear the decision probably wasn’t the best one,” Sainz said. He also acknowledged the complex nature of FIA decisions, suggesting that while he may have been unfairly penalized, Hamilton also faced a challenging review process.
As the drivers prepare for Monza from 5-7 September, with the race scheduled to start at 14:00 BST on Sunday, Hamilton’s determination to overcome setbacks and make an impact in his first Italian Grand Prix for Ferrari will be closely watched. Live coverage of practice and qualifying will be available on My Newspaper Radio 5 Sports Extra and Sports Extra 2, with the race broadcast on My Newspaper Radio 5 Live and live text updates on the My Newspaper Sport website and app.
