Mercedes endured another challenging weekend at Monza, with Ferrari clearly demonstrating superior performance. The W14 proved to be the third-fastest car on the track, leaving both George Russell and Lewis Hamilton at a noticeable top-speed disadvantage. Despite their efforts, Hamilton’s recent qualifying sessions have been problematic, with the seven-time champion starting 13th at Zandvoort and 8th at Monza. While he managed to climb up the field and secure decent points on both occasions, Mercedes found themselves falling behind the leading pace of Red Bull.
Reflecting on recent races, Hamilton acknowledged the need for improvement in qualifying, recognizing that a strong starting position would alleviate the challenges he faces during the actual race. He stated, “Races are pretty straightforward for me. I’ve just got to do better in qualifying, so it’s not such a difficult day.” Furthermore, Hamilton expressed his disappointment with the current state of the car, acknowledging that it is painful for the entire team. He added, “Today is the third fastest car, and it’s obviously painful for all of us. We wish we were quicker. But we’re just counting down the days until February.”
In the Monza race, Hamilton opted for an alternate starting tyre strategy for the second consecutive time. He was one of three drivers to choose the hard compound for his first stint. However, his expectations were not met when he was called in for a surprise pit stop on lap 27, earlier than anticipated. Hamilton questioned the decision, expressing his doubts about the durability of the medium tyres, saying, “Now we’re screwed, I don’t know how these tyres are going to last.”
Fortunately, Hamilton managed to carefully manage his tyres and make his way past several competitors, including Fernando Alonso, Oscar Piastri (with whom he made contact and received a five-second penalty), Lando Norris, and Alex Albon, securing a respectable sixth-place finish. Reflecting on the team’s pit strategy, Hamilton clarified that he wasn’t upset but rather confused by the sudden decision to pit earlier than planned. He admitted concerns about whether the tyres would last until the end of the race, especially considering the significant gap between himself and the McLarens.
Despite the challenges faced throughout the race, Hamilton showcased his skill and determination by taking care of his tyres, closing the gap with his competitors, and engaging in exhilarating battles on the track. When asked about the radio messages expressing his concerns, Hamilton clarified that he remained calm, stating, “I definitely wasn’t upset. I was just supposed to go to lap 35, and the pace didn’t feel that great at that point. But they stopped me.”
In closing, Hamilton’s struggles at Monza highlighted the need for improvement in qualifying sessions and the desire for a faster car. However, his impressive driving skills and strategy allowed him to salvage crucial points for the team. As the season progresses, it is evident that both Hamilton and Mercedes will continue to work relentlessly to overcome these obstacles, striving to regain their status as the team to beat on the Formula 1 circuit.
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