Lewis Hamilton "Shocked" by "Hardcore" Italian GP Grid Penalty

Lewis Hamilton has expressed significant surprise and disappointment after being handed a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming Italian Grand Prix.

Why it matters

This penalty puts the seven-time world champion at an immediate disadvantage for his first Monza race as a Ferrari driver, making an already challenging weekend even tougher for the Briton.

The details

• Incident: Hamilton was flagged during reconnaissance laps at the Dutch Grand Prix for driving too fast under yellow flags.
• Stewards' ruling: Following an investigation, stewards determined Hamilton did not slow down sufficiently in the final sector where teams were preparing for the race start.
• Consequences: He received a five-place grid penalty for the Italian GP and two penalty points on his super license.

Hamilton shared his reaction with media, including RacingNews365, stating, "I landed back home and then saw that I got this penalty, and I was really, really shocked to be honest. It's obviously not black and white. The fact is, if you look at the report, I did lift, but to their liking, not enough. To get the penalty and get penalty points, it’s pretty hardcore. But I learned from it, and there’s no point whinging about it."

What's next

The penalty means Hamilton can start no higher than sixth place at Monza. Given his recent struggles with one-lap pace, qualifying outside the top 10 in two of the last three races, the task ahead is formidable. Despite the setback, Hamilton remains motivated: "It gives me more to fight for, and I'm very motivated to make up those places regardless."