Lewis Hamilton showed signs of frustration with his former F1 team, McLaren, after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The seven-time World Champion criticized the British team, stating that it was evident to him in the cockpit that McLaren made key errors that ultimately cost them a potential victory.

 

– McLaren has a strong opportunity to challenge Red Bull and win both Formula 1 World Championships. They are only eight points behind in the Constructors’ Championship and could surpass Red Bull in the standings at the next race in Baku. Lando Norris also has a slim chance of winning the Drivers’ World Championship, needing to close a 62-point gap with eight Grands Prix remaining.

 

– Hamilton believes McLaren should have won the Italian Grand Prix despite the early issues.

 

“They must’ve planned for a two-stop, and that’s why they were pushing so hard. If they had backed off and gone longer, they for sure could’ve made a one-stop. I was getting the information of the times they were doing and I thought ‘there’s no way their tyres would last at that pace,” Hamilton said before congratulating his future teammate Charles Leclerc for doing a ‘fantastic job’.”

 

– The Mercedes driver had a challenging weekend himself, frustrated by his qualifying session, and later stated that he could have finished ahead of a Ferrari if he had started higher up on the grid like his teammate George Russell.

 

Lewis Hamilton Criticizes McLaren’s Strategy at the Italian GP: A Bold Lecture on Missed Opportunities

 

Monza, Italy – In a weekend filled with adrenaline and high-octane racing, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton found himself not only battling for points but also offering a pointed critique of McLaren’s strategic missteps during the 2024 Italian Grand Prix. The British driver, known for his sharp racing instincts and vocal opinions, did not hold back when discussing McLaren’s approach to the race, highlighting what he viewed as critical mistakes that cost the team valuable points.

 

A Familiar Scene for Hamilton

 

Hamilton, who spent the early years of his illustrious career with McLaren, securing his first World Championship with the team in 2008, has always held a special place for the iconic British constructor. However, his emotional connection to McLaren did not stop him from giving an unfiltered assessment of their strategy at Monza.

 

Speaking to the media after the race, Hamilton acknowledged the rapid improvements McLaren has made this season but voiced his frustration with their decision-making at the high-speed circuit. “McLaren have been doing incredibly well lately, their resurgence is clear to everyone. But to make the most of a race weekend like Monza, everything has to be near perfect. I think they missed that mark today,” Hamilton said.

 

McLaren’s Struggle at the Temple of Speed

 

The Italian GP, held at the iconic Autodromo Nazionale Monza, is one of the most prestigious events on the Formula 1 calendar. Known as the “Temple of Speed,” Monza’s long straights and high-speed corners offer unique challenges for teams and drivers, with strategy often making or breaking race results.

 

McLaren, led by drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, entered the weekend with high hopes, having shown promising form in recent races. The team had been aiming for a podium finish, capitalizing on their newly upgraded car. However, despite a solid qualifying session, things started to unravel during the race.

 

Hamilton, in his post-race analysis, pinpointed key moments where McLaren could have made better decisions, particularly regarding tire strategy and pit-stop timing. “There were clear windows where they could’ve optimized, especially with tire choices. It’s not just about driving fast; it’s about knowing when to make those crucial calls, and I think they hesitated.”

 

Tire Strategy Missteps

 

One of Hamilton’s primary criticisms was McLaren’s choice of tires during key moments of the race. He suggested that the team had missed opportunities to switch to a more favorable compound, which ultimately compromised their pace in the latter stages of the race.

 

“I could see from my own position how the tires were behaving across different cars. They had an opportunity to go for something different, to take a bit of a risk, but they played it too safe. In races like Monza, you have to be bold. Safety can cost you the race, and I think they were overly cautious,” Hamilton explained.

 

Monza’s unique characteristics demand aggressive yet calculated decisions. Hamilton emphasized that while McLaren’s car is competitive, especially on tracks that favor high-speed layouts, strategy can be a decisive factor. “You can have a fast car, but without the right strategy, you’re not going to get where you need to be,” he remarked.

 

### Pit-Stop Timing: A Crucial Error

 

Another point of critique was McLaren’s timing of pit stops, which Hamilton felt could have been executed more effectively. He noted that their decision to delay a crucial pit stop left them vulnerable to undercuts from competitors.

 

“Timing is everything in this sport. They should have pitted Norris earlier when they saw how others were gaining time. By the time they reacted, it was too late. You’ve got to anticipate what’s happening around you, not just respond to it. A couple of seconds lost in the pits, and it’s game over,” Hamilton said.

 

Norris, who had been running in a strong position early in the race, ultimately finished just outside the podium, while Piastri struggled to maintain his pace in the latter stages. Hamilton’s observations echoed what many in the paddock had been saying: McLaren’s conservative approach may have cost them a higher finish.

 

A Call for Greater Aggression

 

Hamilton’s critique was not without a dose of constructive advice. The Mercedes driver urged McLaren to be bolder in their strategic approach going forward, especially in high-stakes races like the Italian GP. “McLaren is in a great position. They have a fast car, talented drivers, and a real chance to fight at the front. But they need to be braver when it comes to strategy. In this sport, you’ve got to take risks, and sometimes it pays off in big ways.”

 

Hamilton’s remarks come at a time when McLaren is under increasing pressure to deliver consistently strong results. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, including podium finishes and competitive qualifying performances, they have struggled to convert their potential into consistent top-tier finishes.

 

McLaren’s Response

 

Following Hamilton’s comments, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella responded diplomatically, acknowledging the team’s errors while also emphasizing their progress. “Lewis is a phenomenal driver, and his experience is unmatched. We respect his opinion, and we’ll certainly take his comments into consideration as we review our performance. There are always lessons to be learned in this sport, and we are constantly striving to improve.”

 

Stella also highlighted the challenges that come with competing at Monza. “Monza is a tricky circuit, and we knew coming into the weekend that strategy would play a significant role. While we believe we made some good decisions, there are certainly areas where we could have been better. We will analyze the race and make adjustments for the upcoming rounds.”

Moving Forward

 

As Formula 1 moves towards the final stages of the 2024 season, McLaren will be keen to refine their strategy and capitalize on the potential of their car. With the next race fast approaching, the team will need to heed Hamilton’s advice if they hope to maintain their momentum in the competitive midfield battle.

 

For Hamilton, the Italian GP offered another reminder of his deep understanding of the sport and his willingness to speak out when he sees room for improvement. His criticism of McLaren, while sharp, was delivered with the clear intention of pushing the team to reach their full potential—a gesture that perhaps reflects his enduring connection to the team that launched his career.

 

The question now is whether McLaren will take his words to heart and make the bold choices necessary to succeed in the cutthroat world of Formula 1.