Lewis Hamilton believes his chances of winning the Formula 1 world championship are now “out of reach” after Ferrari left it too late to prioritize him over Charles Leclerc. The seven-time world champion finished a distant sixth at the Italian Grand Prix on Sunday (Sept 7), as an upgraded Ferrari engine failed to put him on par with Mercedes.
Hamilton’s frustration grew as he was forced to finish the race on well-worn tires, after the team did not pit him under a late virtual safety car. That moment could have been a golden opportunity to change tires without losing much time, but Ferrari’s strategy once again left him exposed.
His race had already been compromised on the opening lap when he fell to 10th after contact with teammate Charles Leclerc at Turn 2. Leclerc, who later crashed out on lap two, escaped punishment from the FIA stewards—a decision that left Hamilton frustrated over team radio.
The incident reignited questions about Ferrari’s operational capabilities, especially regarding prioritizing Hamilton’s title bid over Leclerc’s. The team had also failed to swap their drivers at Zandvoort. Hamilton, speaking with a deflated tone, admitted that any such decision now was pointless.
“I think today we just lost so much ground on points. It’s far too late for those decisions to come. It’s many, many weeks too late. All I can do is turn up. I’ll get up tomorrow morning and give my best,” Hamilton said, as quoted by Crash.net.
He also pointed the finger at the team’s leadership, saying the problem starts at the top with team principal Fred Vasseur. “Ultimately, it comes from the top. It trickles down, the decisions - and it starts with Fred. If we keep traveling the same path, we will get the same results. We keep getting the same result. We’ve got to change things because this is not helping us move forward. I think they are receptive to it,” he added.
When asked if fans should worry about his relationship with Leclerc deteriorating, Hamilton insisted he races clean. “I don’t race dirty. I’ve always raced clean and fair, and given space. So, I don’t think they should be worried about me,” he said.
With Andrea Kimi Antonelli winning at Monza, Hamilton now trails by 76 points in the standings. While he refuses to give up, the gap seems daunting, especially with Mercedes’ current form. Can Ferrari turn things around and give Hamilton a fighting chance? Only time will tell.
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