Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
LEW NEEDS BUMP START
Hamilton’s title charge falters in Monza
LEWIS HAMILTON cut a dejected figure yesterday after losing further ground to title rival Max Verstappen. The Brit finished only fifth in the sprint race at the Italian Grand Prix. Valtteri Bottas delivered a fine win at Monza with Verstappen taking the runner-up spot and two crucial points.
But the Red Bull driver is on pole for today’s race, with Bottas sent to the back of the grid after a penalty for a replacement power unit. Not only did Hamilton fail to score but he will now have his work cut out for today’s main event with a grid position of fourth – promoted after Bottas’ penalty – and the speedy McLarens of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris also ahead of him.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton admits it is Verstappen’s race to lose. He said: “You saw the pace of Red Bull – it should be an easy win for Verstappen. They’ve got more pace, and from what I understand, they bring upgrades to every race.”
The usual qualifying was replaced by an 18-lap race to decide the GP grid – and Hamilton was found wanting after an uncharacteristically poor start as Verstappen and the McLarens charged past.
Pierre Gasly also got ahead of Hamilton before crashing, causing the safety car to be brought out.
After that, Hamilton relentlessly put pressure on Norris with DRS enabled, but just could not get past.
Bottas, this week dropped by Mercedes, took the chequered flag 2.3 seconds clear of Verstappen with Hamilton crossing the line a distant 20 seconds adrift of his team-mate.
Verstappen said: “The race was better than expected – we had good strategy and scored nice little points and I’m starting on pole. It will be an interesting battle.”
Bottas, who will be replaced by George Russell next year, said: “It feels like a while since I have finished first. Unfortunately I start at the back but the speed is there so I will be fighting.”