Lewis Hamilton has evaluated Ferrari's latest power unit update ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, describing the development as a positive step while acknowledging it does not completely solve the team's performance deficit. Ferrari has chosen its home event at Monza to deploy the second of its two allowed engine upgrades for the season, aiming to strengthen its package on the historic circuit's fast straights.
While the Scuderia has maintained a competitive edge through slow and medium-speed corners this year, the car has consistently lost ground on straight-line speed. Hamilton noted that the team had been giving up approximately four-tenths of a second per lap on the straights during recent race weekends. Although the new hardware helps mitigate that issue, the seven-time world champion emphasized that additional progress will still be required in the future.
The British driver currently sits level on points with Mercedes competitor George Russell in the drivers' standings, trailing championship leader Kimi Antonelli by 59 points. Both Hamilton and Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc have secured one grand prix victory each so far this season. Hamilton expressed optimism that a cohesive weekend execution could allow the squad to contend for victory in front of the passionate local supporters.
A potential advantage for Ferrari at Monza comes from championship leader Antonelli, who faces a significant grid penalty for exceeding his season quota of power unit components. The Mercedes driver is expected to start near the back of the grid after his team elected to take the penalty at the Italian venue. Despite the strategic decision, Hamilton warned that Mercedes possesses strong performance and will likely carve through the field during the race.
Antonelli acknowledged that starting from the rear alleviates some of the immediate pressure of the weekend, though he would still prefer to fight for pole position. The Italian youngster expects to enjoy the event more under the circumstances, while remaining mindful of the strong pace shown by rivals from Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull. Meanwhile, Mercedes teammate George Russell is anticipated to serve his own engine penalty at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Away from the on-track action, Hamilton arrived at the Monza paddock on Thursday driving a classic Ferrari F40. The iconic 1980s supercar represents a long-held ambition for the driver, who spent considerable time searching for a pristine, low-mileage example with a genuine history before securing the vehicle.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.
