Unheard radio: Why Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari after Monza F1 qualifying

Lewis Hamilton to Start Italian Grand Prix from 10th After Penalty-Affected Qualifying

Lewis Hamilton will take the start of the 2025 Italian Grand Prix from 10th place on the grid following a challenging qualifying session at Monza. Despite setting the fifth-fastest time, Hamilton carried a grid penalty into the weekend, which ultimately pushed him down the order.

This P5 result represents Lewis Hamilton’s strongest qualifying performance since his home Grand Prix in Silverstone at the start of July. However, his penalty, stemming from a yellow-flag infringement at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, will place him behind both Mercedes drivers, Sauber’s Gabriel Bortoleto, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso, and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda on the starting grid.

Hamilton had initially shown promising pace during Friday’s opening practice session, topping the timesheets and indicating that Ferrari had provided a highly competitive package. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, remained the lead Ferrari driver, yet he trailed pole-sitter Max Verstappen by more than three-tenths of a second, underlining the Red Bull’s superior qualifying speed at Monza.

Lewis Hamilton Aims to End Points Drought

After a disappointing sequence of races—finishing 12th in Hungary and retiring from the Dutch Grand Prix—Hamilton is determined to avoid the rare occurrence of three consecutive points-less events, a streak that has not happened to him since 2009. His focus for Monza is on maximizing the car’s performance in both qualifying and the race to ensure he returns to the points-scoring positions.

Ferrari Provides Competitive SF-25 Despite Challenges

During Q3, neither Hamilton nor Leclerc were able to improve their times on their second flying laps. The two Ferrari drivers were separated by just six-hundredths of a second, highlighting how closely matched they were throughout qualifying. After crossing the line, Hamilton acknowledged over the team radio that he was unable to find additional time, but he praised Ferrari for providing a competitive car capable of challenging at the top of the field.

This season, Lewis Hamilton has yet to qualify higher than fourth place on any Saturday. His last top-three qualifying session dates back nearly a year to the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, indicating that while Ferrari has made progress with the SF-25, finding that extra edge for pole remains a challenge.

Team Principal Notes Positive Changes in Hamilton’s Attitude

Speaking to Sky Italia, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur highlighted that he had noticed a shift in Hamilton’s approach leading into Monza. Vasseur described Hamilton as more aggressive and confident, particularly following his experiences in Zandvoort, where despite errors he demonstrated strong race pace potential. Ferrari considered his performance in the Netherlands encouraging, even if it did not yield maximum points due to mistakes.

Fred Vasseur also credited the warm reception from the Italian fans in Milan for boosting Hamilton’s morale. Approximately 7,000 Tifosi gathered to cheer on Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at a fan event on Wednesday, providing an emotional lift ahead of the Grand Prix. According to the French manager, this support allowed Lewis Hamilton to arrive at Monza focused and motivated, setting a positive tone for the weekend.

Observations from F1 presenter Natalie Pinkham noted that Hamilton received even louder applause than Leclerc, highlighting the immediate connection he has established with the fans despite being a new Ferrari signing. Fred Vasseur concluded that while there is still a long season ahead, Hamilton’s attitude and fan support have set a strong foundation for potential success at Monza and beyond.

Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Race

With the Italian Grand Prix grid set, Hamilton faces a tough but achievable challenge. The combination of Ferrari’s competitive SF-25, Hamilton’s renewed aggressive mindset, and the passionate support of the Tifosi could provide the ingredients for a strong comeback during the race. While qualifying has been compromised by penalties and minor mistakes, the potential for a strategic and performance-driven recovery on Sunday remains significant.

As one of the season’s most anticipated races, Monza will test both Hamilton’s skill and Ferrari’s setup choices, with top-speed efficiency and tyre management expected to play a critical role. For fans and analysts alike, the question is whether Hamilton can turn the support of the Italian crowd into points and a possible podium finish, keeping Ferrari firmly in the fight at the front of the championship.