Hamilton on Monza penalty and Ferrari struggles: “The harder it is, the better it can make you”

Written by Kavi Khandelwal, Edited by Meghana Sree

Lewis Hamilton spoke openly about a recent grid penalty and his reflections on what he considers his toughest season in Formula One. The Ferrari driver offered his perspective ahead of this weekend's Italian Grand Prix in Monza, the team's home round.

Lewis Hamilton is currently sixth in the standings with a 109 points. | Credit: Formula One

Following the Dutch Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton was investigated for failing to lift under yellow flags during the pre-race reconnaissance laps. He was subsequently found guilty and handed a five-place grid drop for Monza.

The penalty was a surprise to him: “I landed back home and saw I got this penalty and I was really shocked to be honest. It’s not black and white I did lift but to their liking not enough," he explained.

He described the severity of the sanction as a serious measure: "To get the penalty and penalty points is pretty hardcore but I’ll learn from it."

Hamilton acknowledged the difficult situation this creates for him at Monza: "Qualifying is tight and to be set back five places is not great going into your first Monza Grand Prix with Ferrari."

Lewis Hamilton hit the barriers on Lap 23, ending his race. | Credit: Formula One

Despite the setback he indicated that the challenge gives him a renewed sense of purpose: "Gives me more to fight for and makes me more motivated."

He also addressed questions about whether this is his most difficult season in the sport.

The seven-time champion compared the current challenges to previous years he found tough, stating: "I don’t remember every single season so I don’t want to compare it to others. I remember 2009 wasn’t great, 2010, 11, 12. 2022, 2023. So there are plenty," Hamilton explained.

Despite these struggles he spoke about how the move to Ferrari has been a positive experience: "[I'm] living the dream moving to race with Ferrari. I had the whole of last year to prepare for it there has been a lot of adjustment and they have moved heaven and earth to accommodate me."

He believes the hardship is ultimately a benefit: "Honestly I think the harder it is the better it can make you and this year has been tough but it prepares you for better days and we will be stronger for it."

Hamilton’s comments reveal a driver facing significant challenges with a determined and pragmatic mindset.

The grid penalty at Monza adds another layer to what has already been a difficult season.

However he appears to view these hurdles not as a defeat but as a means to become a better driver and a stronger competitor for the future.