Hamilton Hit with Grid Penalty Ahead of Monza Debut for Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton's crash at Zandvoort was his first retirement as a Ferrari driver

Hamilton Hit with Grid Penalty Ahead of Monza Debut for Ferrari

Hamilton Handed Five-Place Grid Drop Ahead of Monza Ferrari Debut

Lewis Hamilton will start no higher than sixth at the upcoming Italian Grand Prix after receiving a five-place grid penalty for failing to slow sufficiently under double yellow flags at the Dutch GP.

The penalty stems from pre-race infractions at Zandvoort, where stewards noted Hamilton did not meet the required deceleration despite attempting to brake early. Though the infraction usually results in a 10-place drop, stewards halved the punishment based on partial compliance.

The setback adds to a disastrous weekend for Ferrari, whose other driver Charles Leclerc was taken out in a separate incident by rookie Kimi Antonelli. Both Scuderia cars retired, marking a double DNF and allowing Mercedes to close the constructors’ gap to just 12 points.

Ferrari Frustrations at Zandvoort

Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix on lap 23

Lewis Hamilton crashed out of the Dutch Grand Prix on lap 23

Team principal Fred Vasseur called for composure in the wake of the double retirement but remained optimistic:

“We can take a lot of positives from the weekend… it was better than Budapest.”

Hamilton crashed out following a spin at Turn Three in damp conditions. Leclerc was collateral damage in Antonelli’s misjudged lunge.

Despite the disappointment, Hamilton’s pace prior to the crash was encouraging. Vasseur praised the Briton’s regained form after two underwhelming pre-summer results in Hungary and Belgium.

“I could see the confidence was back,” Vasseur said. “It was good preparation for Monza.”

Looking Ahead to Monza

Charles Leclerc had plenty of time to contemplate his retirement from the Dutch Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc had plenty of time to contemplate his retirement from the Dutch Grand Prix

Hamilton, sixth in the drivers’ standings, will now face a challenging first outing at Monza as a Ferrari driver due to the penalty. Yet both he and Leclerc are optimistic.

Leclerc, who won at Monza in 2024, believes the fast, low-downforce layout suits Ferrari’s strengths:

“Zandvoort had everything our car hates. Monza should be more positive. The McLarens will be strong, but never say never.”

Ferrari fans will hope home advantage and strong straight-line speed can turn around their fortunes — even with Hamilton’s penalty looming large.

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