Lewis Hamilton expressed his dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s performance after qualifying for the Italian GP. The seven-time world champion qualified fifth, 0.225 seconds behind polesitter Pierre Gasly, but was visibly unhappy. Hamilton barely survived Q2 and was unable to get the most out of the collaboration with teammate Charles Leclerc in Q3. He cautiously suggested that Ferrari should appoint a number one driver.
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Ferrari gave Hamilton the choice this weekend to start qualifying either ahead of or behind Leclerc, considering the slipstream which can be very valuable on the fast Monza track. The Brit chose to start behind his teammate but did not get the desired help during his first run in Q3 because his tires were prepared too late. He also remained 0.007 seconds behind Leclerc on his second attempt.
When asked about the importance of teamwork between teammates in Monza, Hamilton responded evasively. “What I can say is that Pierre (Gasly, ed.) did a great job,” said the 41-year-old Brit after qualifying. “As far as I could see, Alpine worked very well together as a team.” According to Hamilton, that was not the case for Ferrari. “The team was fully focused on creating an equal slipstream for each driver. And, as I said, that didn’t work.”
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‘Antonelli’s grid penalty offers opportunities’
Still, both Ferraris will start from the second row on Sunday. Due to a three-place grid penalty for Oscar Piastri, who impeded Liam Lawson during qualifying, Hamilton and Leclerc move up one spot. However, Hamilton knows Ferrari is not the favorite for victory. “That hopefully gives us a chance,” he continued. “Besides, there is only one Mercedes at the front,” Hamilton referred to George Russell. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli starts from nineteenth position after a grid penalty for an engine change. “George has the fastest car, that’s clear. And we still struggle on the straights.”
The situation is also becoming increasingly difficult for Hamilton in the championship. The Ferrari driver currently faces a 59-point deficit to Antonelli and sees his title chances diminish as the season progresses. When asked if Ferrari should appoint a number one driver, he said the following: “There is light at the end of the tunnel, but it gets dimmer as we go further. And although the team is doing fantastic work with upgrades and helping us move forward – I’m so proud of everyone, I keep saying it – we also have to do our best on the track and take the right actions to achieve the desired result.”
Read more Result GP Italy 2026
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