Lewis Hamilton described Ferrari’s result at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix as “devastating” after finishing sixth in a challenging race at Monza. The weekend proved difficult for the Scuderia, with both drivers encountering setbacks that affected their performance in front of their home fans.
Starting fourth on the grid behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s race took an early hit when he went off track at Turn 2 on the opening lap. This incident dropped him to around tenth place, forcing him to recover through the field. Meanwhile, Leclerc’s race ended abruptly on the second lap after a crash at the final corner caused by an overcorrection, which also led to a red flag and a race restart.
At the restart, Hamilton stayed out on medium tyres but chose not to pit during a mid-race Virtual Safety Car period, unlike several other drivers on the same compound. This strategic call contributed to him losing further positions to competitors including Oscar Piastri, Kimi Antonelli, Max Verstappen, and Lando Norris. Hamilton ultimately finished well behind the leaders, unable to challenge for a higher position.
Reflecting on the result, Hamilton pointed to Ferrari’s tyre choice and the relative lack of pace from the Mercedes power unit as key factors in the disappointing outcome. He described the race as “a tough one to swallow” given the expectations at Monza, where Ferrari traditionally aims to perform strongly.
Leclerc also commented on the early laps, mentioning a close racing incident with Hamilton around Turns 1 and 2. He expressed uncertainty about whether contact occurred and showed regret over the intra-team clash that preceded his crash. The incident highlighted the fine margins and pressure involved in racing at such a historic and fast circuit.
Overall, the Italian Grand Prix was a setback for Ferrari in a race where hopes had been high. The challenges faced by both drivers underscored ongoing issues with tyre strategy and power unit performance relative to their rivals. Hamilton’s candid reflections provide insight into the difficulties encountered by the team during this home event.