Hamilton: Mercedes need to improve in races to come

Lewis Hamilton believes Mercedes have improvements to make to the car for the rest of the season, after finishing in third place in the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.

In a thrilling race Charles Leclerc defended superbly from both Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas for the entire race, including for the last 30 laps with hard tyres.

Hamilton tried everything to get through but after making a mistake going through the chicane with 11 laps remaining he handed the opportunity to team-mate Bottas, but he locked up on lap 51 giving Leclerc the breathing space to go on and win.

Hamilton admitted to Martin Brundle post-race that not everything went to plan across the weekend and that the team will be focusing on becoming more efficient in the races to come.

He said: "Today wasn't a perfect race, I think this weekend some improvements have to be made to my setup and obviously with myself, so we'll focus on that for the next race.

He did a great job, [he had] a lot of pressure from both Valtteri and I. I did the best I could, but following so closely for such a long time the tyres eventually went off a cliff.

"They were much quicker in a straight line so even if we did get close we couldn't pass. It wasn't our day but still strong for the team. We pull away from Ferrari in the constructors championship and ultimately that's what really matters."

Hamilton still retains a healthy lead over Bottas in the driver's championship.

Related

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton signing prompts ASTONISHING Ferrari chief rant

• Yesterday 20:57

Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton crowned CHAMPION in stunning end to 2024

• Yesterday 17:57