Daijiworld Media Network - Monza

Monza, Sept 3: Lewis Hamilton says he was “really, really shocked” by the five-place grid penalty handed down after the Dutch Grand Prix, which will hinder his debut Italian Grand Prix weekend as a Ferrari driver. Despite the setback, the seven-time world champion is determined to put on a strong performance in front of the passionate Ferrari fanbase at Monza.

Hamilton’s penalty stems from an incident during reconnaissance laps at Zandvoort, where stewards ruled he didn’t sufficiently slow for double-waved yellow flags. The decision, made hours after the race he failed to finish, also added two penalty points to his FIA Super Licence.

“Of course I was unhappy with the timing,” Hamilton admitted. “I landed back home and then saw that I had got this penalty — I was really, really shocked, to be honest.”

While Hamilton acknowledged he had lifted off the throttle, he said it wasn’t enough in the eyes of the stewards. “It’s obviously not black and white. If you look at the report, I did lift, but not enough to their liking.”

Calling the punishment “pretty hardcore,” Hamilton said he’s chosen to focus on bouncing back. “There’s no point whinging about it, I’ll move forward. I learn from it.”

Now starting no higher than sixth, the penalty poses a significant challenge at Ferrari’s home race — a track where qualifying is historically tight. “It’s already hard to get into Q3, let alone the top five. So losing five spots really hurts — especially here.”

Still, Hamilton said the setback has only sharpened his focus. “It gives me more to fight for, and I’m very motivated to make up those places, regardless.”