Hamilton already thinking about Monza: 'Max will be long gone by seconds'

It was a dramatic weekend for Mercedes at Zandvoort. The German team had hoped for a strong restart to the season. But sixth place for Lewis Hamilton and George Russell crossing the finish line in 17th did not live up to expectations. Mercedes will have a chance for revenge next weekend, when the Italian Grand Prix is being held.

Unlike narrow, twisty Zandvoort, Monza awaits a circuit where high speeds are reached. In advance, Red Bull Racing with its powerful Honda engine is the big favourite. How will Mercedes fare against the characteristics of the Autodromo, located in a beautiful park? Lewis Hamilton finds it difficult to judge, although he can think of how things will turn out at the front of the race.

Fighting for a podium

"I have no clue how that will be," Hamilton responds to GPblog and others when asked how strong Mercedes will be in Italy? "Max will be long gone by seconds like he always is. And then I think for us, hopefully we have a better weekend and we can maybe fight for a podium, which we should have this weekend."

In the final races before the summer break, Hamilton had been getting closer and closer to Fernando Alonso in the championship. The seven-time champion had approached the Spaniard to within a point. Alonso took a well-deserved second place at a wet Zandvoort track, extending the margin to Hamilton to eight points.