Lewis Hamilton Declares 'Solid Progress' at Italian GP, Expresses Discomfort with Ferrari SF-25

Lewis Hamilton has described his performance at the Italian Grand Prix as "solid progress," marking his first race at Monza as a Ferrari driver. Despite securing a sixth-place finish, Hamilton openly shared his ongoing struggles with the SF-25 car.

Why it matters

Hamilton's candid assessment highlights the significant challenge he faces in adapting to Ferrari's current machinery. His comfort and feedback are crucial for the team's development, especially as they look towards future seasons and a more competitive car.

The details

• Hamilton entered the Italian Grand Prix weekend with a five-place grid penalty, stemming from a yellow-flag breach at the previous Dutch Grand Prix. This meant he started 10th despite qualifying fifth, just 0.117 seconds behind teammate Charles Leclerc.
• On race day, Hamilton efficiently climbed through the field, securing sixth place and finishing within five seconds of his former Mercedes teammate George Russell.
• Following the race, Hamilton took to social media, thanking the Tifosi for their passion and expressing his honor to drive for Ferrari. He wrote, "Solid progress in Monza, the penalty made a better result challenging, but I gave it everything... I’m so honoured to be driving for Ferrari and to be on the receiving end of the incredible love."
• However, Hamilton also admitted to PlanetF1.com and other outlets that he remains "far from comfortable" with the SF-25. He attributed this to an "alien driving style" required by the car, which has been plagued by a persistent ride-height issue since the start of the season.
• He elaborated, "Ultimately, [I’m] driving [with] an alien driving style, with a car that I’m not 100 per cent comfortable with... This year, I’m arriving at the track and having to apply this new driving style that’s still alien to me. It doesn’t feel natural."

What's next

Hamilton expressed hope that next year's car will not demand the same unnatural driving style, allowing him to revert to a more familiar approach. His insights will be vital for Ferrari's ongoing development efforts and the design of their future challengers.