Hamilton and Leclerc: 'We Didn't Have the Pace' at Monza Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc admitted Ferrari simply "didn't have the pace" after a frustrating qualifying at Monza. Both drivers failed to advance beyond Q2, leaving the Tifosi stunned on home soil.

Why it matters:

Monza is the ultimate test of straight-line speed, and Ferrari's early exit is a significant blow. With the championship battle tightening, losing ground at a track where they expected to compete raises questions about the SF-26's efficiency. Every missed opportunity counts for a team chasing its first title in nearly two decades.

The details:

• Hamilton qualified 11th, Leclerc 13th, with both eliminated in Q2.
• Hamilton reported a lack of rear grip in high-speed corners; Leclerc battled understeer in the chicanes.
• Ferrari's revised low-downforce rear wing failed to deliver expected gains.
• Mercedes locked out the front row, while McLaren and Red Bull also outpaced the Scuderia.
• Home disappointment: The result stings for Ferrari's passionate fans, who packed the grandstands hoping for a pole fight.

What's next:

Ferrari faces an uphill battle in the race, starting outside the top ten. Long-run pace in practice offers some hope for points, but the focus will quickly shift to diagnosing the car's weaknesses before Baku, where similar low-downforce characteristics await.