Hamilton shares clear message to Ferrari ahead of Monza homecoming: "Need to turn up the heat'

Hamilton just missed out on a podium at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort last weekend. The Briton crossed the finish line in fourth place, just behind his former teammate, George Russell.

Up next is the Italian Grand Prix, Ferrari's home race. Hamilton is excited to return to the Autodromo Nazionale Monza, especially now that Ferrari finds itself in a much different situation to last year.

He told GPblog, among others: "Yeah, we're in a much different place than we have been in the past, obviously, than last year. We're still second in the Constructors' Championship. We've got a lot of positives to take from this first half. The next ones, we really need to turn up the heat if we're going to have any chance of getting these guys," he referred to Mercedes and McLaren.

Hamilton also briefly led the Grand Prix on an alternative strategy. For the seven-time world champion, it was another telling moment last Sunday.

Hamilton was also not satisfied with his teammate Charles Leclerc holding him up on a different strategy at Zandvoort. In a post on social media, the Briton then addressed his messages over the team radio.

He wrote: "I’ve listened back to some of my radio and TV comments. In the heat of the moment frustration can come out, especially when you care as deeply as I do. But that wasn’t the best version of me. I take responsibility for that, and I’ll be better. That passion comes from believing in this team, the people in it, and what we’re building together. The direction is clear. The belief is there. And the fight is absolutely still on."