‘Absolutely furious’ and ‘surreal’ were Lewis Hamilton’s verdicts on his final visit to Monza as a Mercedes driver.
A year from now, the seven-time world champion will wear the red of Ferrari, his place at the Silver Arrows having been filled by Kimi Antonelli, an 18-year-old Italian who was confirmed as his replacement on Saturday.
The Formula Two driver talked of Hamilton as ‘irreplaceable’ when he was unveiled to much pomp and circumstance. He was assured and his English word perfect, even if he was a little embarrassed by the overexuberance that caused him to crash George Russell’s Mercedes in practice on Friday.
That wasn’t in the script and Russell lost time as repairs were carried out before he took over driving duties and qualified third behind the two McLarens.
As for Hamilton, he managed only the sixth fastest time. ‘I am furious, absolutely furious,’ said the 39-year-old. ‘I was expecting to do a better job than I did. I could have been on pole or at least on the front row.
+5
Lewis Hamilton was left ‘furious’ with himself after the Italian Grand Prix qualifying session
+5
The 39-year-old could only manage the sixth fastest time on track in Q3 in his Mercedes
+5
His poor qualifying means he will start P6 in tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza
‘It was ridiculous from my side and completely unacceptable. I have no-one to blame but myself.
‘Qualifying has been my weakness for a while now and I can’t figure it out. ‘I’ll keep trying. I have got to figure out how to get back to my old self.
‘The chance of fighting for a win is out of the window. I will probably be kicking myself over the next couple of hours, but I have got to move forward.’
Plenty lot of thoughts were running through Hamilton’s mind after 12 years and six world titles at Mercedes.
+5
This weekend is Hamilton’s last Italian Grand Prix as a Mercedes driver before he joins Ferrari
+5
Kimi Antonelli, 18, was announced this weekend as the Brit’s replacement at Mercedes
‘The car has been feeling so much better than the last race, and the team deserve better,’ he added. ‘Maybe they’ll get that with Kimi.
‘I knew his signing would be announced this morning, but it was surreal to see my seat officially going. It was emotional, but I am happy for Kimi and this team.’
Antonelli, who joined Mercedes’ junior programme at 11, comes in on just a one-year deal.
Boss Toto Wolff talked of the Russell-Antonelli pairing as representing his team’s future, adding that he knew he would plump for the youngster ‘five minutes’ after Hamilton told him he was off to Ferrari from 2025.
However, Verstappen is still on every radar for 2026, and it may yet be that the new combination is in a shootout to be the Dutchman’s partner.
News
Cardi B Says ‘NO Album’ in 2024 After Heated Fan Exchange Online: ‘I Don’t Care I’m Relaxing This Year’
The “Enough (Miami)” rapper went back and forth with fans on X on Tuesday over her long-delayed sophomore album Cardi B performs in London in July 2022. Photo: Joseph Okpako/WireImage On Tuesday, May 14, Cardi B informed fans that she’s no longer…
Everything Cardi B and Offset Have Said About Their ‘A Lot of Drama’-Filled Relationship
Cardi B filed for divorce from husband Offset after nearly three years of marriage It’s over for Cardi B and Offset. On Tuesday, the “WAP” rapper (née Belcalis Marlenis Almanzar) filed for divorce from the Migos rapper (né Kiari Kendrell Cephus) five days before their…
Cardi B Confirms Split from Offset: ‘I’ve Been Single for a Minute Now’
The rappers privately tied the knot in 2017, and share daughter Kulture, 5, and son Wave, 2 Cardi B has confirmed her single status in the wake of rumors about her relationship with Offset. The rapper, 31, got candid on Instagram Live…
Cardi B Shows Off Daughter Kulture’s Custom Diamond Nameplate Bracelet
Many fans fawned over Kulture’s new accessory, while others pointed out the cost with remarks like, “This baby got my whole college tuition on her wrist” Where Kulture Kiari‘s mama’s got rings, she’s got bracelets. Cardi B took to Instagram Wednesday to…
Cardi B Rocks Elegant All-Black Look and Chic Bangs at the Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards
The rapper received Hollywood Unlocked’s 2024 Inspiration Award at the June 21 awards Cardi B knows how to make a red carpet impact. The rapper, 31, outdid herself in the style department when she arrived at the Friday, June 21 Hollywood…
Cardi B’s Sculptural Grammys Gown Is Hot Off the Paris Fashion Week Runway — See Her Bold Look!
Cardi B’s royal purple Gaurav Gupta design made its debut on the catwalk just five days ago at Paris Fashion Week From runway to red carpet! Cardi B’s 2023 Grammys red carpet look just made its debut on the Paris Fashion Week runway….
End of content
No more pages to load