Hamilton’s grid penalty gives him ‘more to fight for’ in Monza debut with Ferrari

MONZA, Italy: As if a first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari isn’t incentive enough this weekend, Lewis Hamilton says he has extra motivation for his first time in red at the iconic Monza track.
A disastrous Dutch Grand Prix last weekend for both Hamilton and Ferrari culminated in the seven-time world champion being handed a five-place grid penalty — to be served at Monza — for failing to slow down enough while driving to the grid before the race.
“I landed back home and then saw that I got this penalty and I was really, really shocked,” Hamilton said Thursday.
“To get the penalty and get (license) penalty points was pretty hard core, but I’m over it, there’s no point moaning about it, I’ve just got to move forward.”
However, that has only served to spur him on even more as Hamilton prepares to race at the Temple of Speed for the 19th time but a first with the Italian Scuderia.
“It’s going to be challenging this weekend,” Hamilton added. “Qualifying is already… it’s already so close between us all, so just getting into Q3 is tough, getting into the top five is very, very tough.
“Then, on top of that, to be set back five places is not great when you’re going into your first Monza GP with Ferrari, but in the end it gives me more to fight for and I’m very motivated to make up those places.”
The 40-year-old Hamilton has had a difficult first season with the Italian team.