Hamilton calls on Ferrari to back one driver to close gap to Antonelli

Lewis Hamilton says Ferrari needs to work as a team to back one driver to try and catch Kimi Antonelli in the Formula 1 drivers’ championship, after feeling it missed opportunities in qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix.

Charles Leclerc is 28 points behind Hamilton in the standings, with the seven-time world champion level on points with second-placed George Russell and 59 adrift of Antonelli. With the championship leader starting at the back in Monza due to a power unit penalty, Ferrari secured third and fourth on the grid with Leclerc ahead of Hamilton, but the 41-year-old believes the current approach of not prioritizing one driver is hurting his chances.

“I think at the end was that there was no... The team was solely focused on trying to get an equal tow for each driver, and we just stumbled,” Hamilton said.

“We're at a point in the year where 59 points is a huge deficit to recover from, especially when Mercedes continue to be the leaders in speed. And so, we do have to work as a team.

“Have we been? If and when that would ever change, we'll find out. But all I can do is just try to arrive and do the best job I can.”

Pushed on if Ferrari needs to throw its weight behind one specific driver, Hamilton replied “Yeah,” before elaborating on the areas he believes the team is executing as it needs to.

“There's light at the end of the tunnel, but it's getting dimmer the further we get through. Even though the team is doing an amazing job in bringing upgrades and pushing us forward, I'm so proud of everyone – I say it all the time, but it's because I really am.

“I couldn't do what I do without seeing the great work of everybody. I always want to make sure that I acknowledge them and recognize them for that. Because I want them to continue to push and I want them to stay hungry and keep that passion and fire. But also at the track we need to come correct and act accordingly to make sure we get the results we need.”