Hamilton hits out at ‘pretty bad’ Ferrari Q3 execution after missing out on Monza pole

Monza, Sep 6 — Lewis Hamilton expressed disappointment after his Ferrari's performance faltered, leading to a fifth-place qualifying finish behind team-mate Charles Leclerc. The duo later climbed to third and fourth following penalties during the race. Meanwhile, championship leader Kimi Antolinli, relegated to the back of the grid after an engine change, expressed hope to secure some points.

Hamilton, a seven-time champion, aimed to achieve an outright record sixth pole at the Italian Grand Prix, where he shares the record of five with Ferrari legend Michael Schumacher. He felt that the Mercedes-powered cars ahead of him were still faster, stating, "I think we have a really great car. It's all Mercedes engines up ahead of us and I think we've done a good job to be as close to them as we are, but they ultimately gain several tenths on the straight."

Hamilton criticized the team's strategy, saying, "The execution in Q3 was pretty bad. I ended up out in the middle of nowhere with nobody," referring to the need for a tow in slipstreaming on the high-speed Monza circuit. Antolinli, who qualified seventh, attempted to support his title rival George Russell, stating, "The team asked me and, of course, I did what I had to do.

I tried to help as much as possible." He added that he expected a tough battle in the race but hoped to score points if possible. "We're going to try to stay out of trouble in the first two chicanes and then obviously try to clear the traffic as quickly as possible in the first few laps and then try to chase the faster cars. It will be difficult, but I am going to try to enjoy it."