Why Lewis Hamilton apologised to Ferrari in unheard radio message at Italian Grand Prix

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Lewis Hamilton will start the Italian Grand Prix from 10th place after setting the fifth-fastest time in qualifying. Hamilton carried a grid penalty into the weekend.

P5 was Hamilton’s best qualifying showing since his home race at the start of July. But his yellow-flag infringement at Zandvoort will put him below the two Mercedes drivers, the Sauber of Gabriel Bortoleto, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda.

Hamilton was quickest in the opening practice session on Friday, and Ferrari entered the session optimistic. Charles Leclerc was once again the lead car, but he was over three-tenths behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen.

Hamilton, who was 12th in Hungary and crashed out at the Dutch GP, is looking to avoid three straight races without a points finish. This hasn’t happened since 2009.

Lewis Hamilton says sorry to Ferrari for lack of pace at Italian Grand Prix

Neither Leclerc nor Hamilton could improve on their second flying laps in Q3. The two drivers were only separated by six-hundredths of a second.

Speaking on the team radio after he crossed the line, Hamilton apologised for not finding more time. He credited Ferrari for providing him with a competitive car at Monza.

Hamilton still hasn’t qualified higher than fourth on any Saturday this year. In fact, his top-three drought stretches back nearly a year to the Singapore GP.

“Sorry I couldn’t get quicker guys,” said the seven-time world champion.

He added later in the lap: “Great job today guys. I’m grateful for the push. Sorry I couldn’t go quicker.”

Engineer Riccardo Adami replied: “No worries, we’re getting there. On to tomorrow.”

Fred Vasseur commends the change he saw in Lewis Hamilton before Monza

Speaking to Sky Italia on Friday evening, team principal Fred Vasseur revealed that he was seeing a ‘more aggressive’ Hamilton behind the scenes. Ferrari were content with his pace in the Netherlands, even if he squandered a strong points finish with his error.

Vasseur says Hamilton was boosted by the ‘affection’ the Tifosi showed him in Milan on Wednesday. Around seven thousand attended to cheer on the Englishman and his teammate Leclerc.

“I feel like Lewis’s attitude has changed,” said Vasseur. “I think he managed to reset everything and arrive at Zandvoort with a more aggressive attitude. The pace was there. In the end, it was a tough weekend for us but I think it gave him confidence.

“He is very sensitive to the affection of the fans. In Milan, they were very kind to him and they sent him to Monza on Thursday morning with great enthusiasm, with a clear mind, and so far he’s doing a perfect job. There’s still a long road ahead , but so far everything seems to be going positively.”

According to Natalie Pinkham, Hamilton received louder cheers than Leclerc, even though he’s a new signing. It remains to be seen whether that support can fuel a fightback on Sunday.