Lewis Hamilton says he is “really happy” with his progress since Formula 1’s summer break after another strong qualifying performance at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Ferrari driver qualified fifth at Monza, just a tenth off Charles Leclerc, but will start from 10th due to his lingering five-place grid penalty for a yellow flag infringement at the Dutch GP.
Before the break, Hamilton had endured two miserable races, twice knocked out in Q1 at Spa and then lapped outside the points in Hungary. Since returning, however, his form has been much more consistent.
“Definitely, definitely. I am really, really happy with the progress we’ve made, particularly on my side of the garage,” Hamilton said. “It’s been a lot more solid — last week, even more so this week. We’ve been right there, within a tenth. I’ve just got to keep working. I’m seeing progress.”
Soaking in the Tifosi
For Hamilton, it’s his first Italian GP as a Ferrari driver, and he admitted the passion of the Tifosi has exceeded even his expectations.
“It’s been amazing being here with Ferrari,” he said. “I can’t even find the words for it, to be honest. The fans here are incredible. The energy since Wednesday — thousands turned up for the Milan city event, and here at the track, when you leave the garage and head to Turn 1, you just see red everywhere.
“You imagine what it would be like, you’ve seen others experience it before. I remember Seb [Vettel] on the podium here, but when you live it yourself it’s completely different. The passion and intensity — I’ve maybe only seen that in Brazil with football. In motorsport, nothing else compares.”
Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok believes Hamilton is “thriving” on the energy, much as he has at Silverstone in the past.
“He’s a driver that thrives on people power. He doesn’t feel the pressure — he’s energised by it,” Chandhok said. “We’ve seen it at Silverstone, and it looks like the same effect here. He’s been driving really well all weekend, matching Leclerc’s pace. It’s just a shame he’s carrying that penalty.”
