Upbeat Hamilton determined to ‘recover lost points’ at Monza

Lewis Hamilton left Zandvoort empty-handed after a rare crash ended his Dutch Grand Prix early, but the Ferrari star is refusing to dwell on the disappointment.

Instead, the seven-time world champion has promised to bounce back strongly and “recover the points lost” as he turns his focus to the team’s home race at Monza.

Hamilton’s afternoon unraveled at Zandvoort’s banked Turn 3, where he lost traction and slid into the barriers while running seventh. Though he managed to correct the initial slide, the car’s front end sustained damage, leaving him no choice but to retire on the spot.

“So unusual not to finish a race. It's definitely not great, but it is what it is,” Hamilton admitted afterwards. “I think we made real progress this weekend. My pace was looking pretty decent.”

The setback was compounded by a five-place grid penalty for Monza following a yellow-flag infringement during the reconnaissance lap in Zandvoort, adding to the challenges of a season where Hamilton is still chasing his first podium with Ferrari.

Focused on the Positives

Despite the frustrations, the Scuderia charger remained upbeat in his post-race reflections and on social media, emphasizing growth within the team and his own determination.

“A result like today is tough to accept, but there are plenty of positives I’m focusing on moving forward. We made improvements with our approach, and the changes implemented are clearly showing progress,” he wrote on Instagram on Sunday evening.

“Although we’re not yet where we want to be, I’m confident we’re moving in the right direction.

“To my incredible team, I’ll leave no stone unturned to recover the points lost and my determination to fight for us won’t waiver.

“Now, it’s onwards to Monza, where our passionate Tifosi will be waiting — can’t wait to see everyone there.”

Not the Best Preparation for Monza

Hamilton’s retirement was only half the story for Ferrari, as teammate Charles Leclerc also failed to finish after a clash with Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli. It meant the Scuderia left Zandvoort without scoring a single point, a damaging blow with Mercedes now just 12 points adrift in the Constructors’ standings.

Team Principal Fred Vasseur acknowledged the significance of the setback but stressed that Ferrari is already looking ahead to Monza.

"It's a very tough outcome for the team because for the championship and even for the approach of Monza it's not the best one. But for sure if we want to do a better job, we have to do a much better Friday,” he said.

"For sure it's not the best preparation but on the other hand we don't need to have extra motivation for Monza.

"Everybody will push. What we have to do for sure is a much better Friday to put us in a better shape for the Quali and for the race because when you start behind you have to overtake, you have to take risk."

• Read also: Hamilton to serve grid penalty at Ferrari’s home race in Monza!

Ferrari’s double DNF at Zandvoort was a bitter pill to swallow for the Italian outfit, but with Hamilton striking a determined tone and Vasseur rallying the team, the Scuderia will arrive at Monza with renewed resolve.

For Hamilton, it’s a chance to turn the page quickly and deliver in front of the most passionate crowd of them all – the Tifosi.

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