Lewis Hamilton’s grid penalty for Monza has just exposed a major problem with modern Formula 1

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Lewis Hamilton will start his first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari from five places lower on the grid than he qualifies.

The Briton was handed a post-race Dutch Grand Prix penalty for effectively failing to slow down under double yellow flags on his reconnaissance laps, prior to the event.

Hamilton then continued on his merry way, and it was only just before everyone was about to go home at 5.05 local time that his punishment was announced.

Considering how the rest of his season has panned out, it’s no surprise that his latest Ferrari episode has a knock-on impact on the feature event of the year. If there’s anywhere he can make up for his run, it’s at Monza.

Max Verstappen gave Hamilton one big reason to retire, but it doesn’t appear to be something that is in his plans currently.

Strangely, Hamilton is the cleanest driver in Formula 1, which shows how rare it is for him to be penalised. The situation that arose exposed one big problem with the sport, which must be fixed.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton received ominous Ferrari radio warning before ‘uncontrollable’ Dutch Grand Prix crash

Lewis Hamilton’s Monza grid penalty exposed a major problem with modern Formula 1 stewarding

Ferrari can take one season-changing positive from Zandvoort, despite watching on as both of their cars suffered heavy damage.

They’re still in a fight for second place in the constructors’ championship, but they’re going to need much cleaner weekends over the final nine races than they just had.

Even though Ferrari’s biggest problem is now an ‘open secret’, other issues were exposed after Hamilton’s penalty was issued.

One of the main problems was that the FIA had plenty of time before the race to penalise the seven-time champion, but felt that they required more evidence (despite having previous precedents handy).

It meant that his penalty potentially changed from a 10-second stop-go to a five-place grid demotion for Monza.

A delay of several hours is something that, procedurally, has to be improved. Most fans had left the track by the time the decision was made, when something should have been done a lot sooner.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton has lost what won him seven F1 titles after what Guenther Steiner saw at the Dutch Grand Prix

Why the Italian Grand Prix should suit Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton a lot more

Ferrari have had a strong car on low-downforce and high-speed circuits for some time. Their upcoming home race plays to their strengths.

That’s not to say it will be enough to dethrone McLaren, but overtaking is possible, and the field spread is usually smaller due to the nature of the fast track. Mistakes are punished more than at most races.

Ralf Schumacher has warned Hamilton of a ‘tragic’ situation, and there are fears that teammate Charles Leclerc is establishing himself as a clear number one driver.

Even at the age of 40, the onus is on the Briton to use his experience and find a way to turn things around. The 2026 F1 regulations are going to be crucial for his future, and building some momentum before them will help a great deal.