Hamilton slams Ferrari strategy following devastating Monza qualifying

Lewis Hamilton expressed disappointment on Saturday following the evaporation of pace in his Ferrari at the Italian Grand Prix qualifying session. The Mercedes driver finished fifth behind team-mate Charles Leclerc, who later moved up to third and fourth after penalties. Championship leader Kimi Antolin, relegated to the back of the grid due to an engine change, expressed hope of picking up some points.

Hamilton, aiming for his sixth pole at Monza, shared the record of five with Ferrari great Michael Schumacher, believed the Mercedes-powered cars ahead of him were faster. "I think we have a really great car," he said. "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 acknowledged the team's efforts and upgrade but criticized their strategy during qualifying, stating, "The execution in Q3 was pretty bad. I ended up out in the middle of nowhere with nobody." He added that getting into rhythm was crucial, especially for a circuit like Monza. Antolin, in seventh, attempted to support his rival and teammate George Russell, saying, "The team asked me and, of course, I did what I had to do.

I tried to help as much as possible." Despite the challenge, he expressed happiness with the result and hoped to score points in the race.