Lewis Hamilton F1 News: Mercedes star reveals Monza 'PAIN' following major setback

Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, Netherlands, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

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Hamilton reveals Monza 'PAIN' following Mercedes F1 setback

The seven-time F1 champion described an uncomfortable feeling

Rhys Thomas

Sunday 1 September 2024 09:57

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Lewis Hamilton had some complaints about his Mercedes F1 car during the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

The Brit was joined by his newly-announced 2025 replacement Kimi Antonelli in FP1 at Monza, albeit briefly as the youngster crashed out of the session after just 10 minutes.

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Mercedes fixed the car in time for George Russell to partner Hamilton in the second practice session, in which the 39-year-old impressed ahead of qualifying day.

However, if the timesheet made it seem like it was smooth sailing for the seven-time world champion, things got heated inside the car.

Lewis Hamilton was fastest in second practice at the Italian Grand Prix

Kimi Antonelli will replace Lewis Hamilton in 2025, though crashed out of FP1

Why was Lewis Hamilton complaining about his Mercedes car?

Red has always been the theme of the Italian Grand Prix, especially this year with the usual Tifosi colours to support their adored team Ferrari mixed in with red-hot weather.

Temperatures are expected to climb to 33 degrees celsius on race day, adding to the physicality of a grand prix that takes place at F1's fastest circuit.

Hamilton has already found an inventive way of beating the heat at the Temple of Speed, making some modifications to his long-sleeved Mercedes t-shirt by cutting some of the excess material off.

Whilst in the cockpit for practice, he reported an additional issue with the temperatures, possibly owing to a fault with his W15.

Lewis Hamilton has had a hot weekend at the Italian Grand Prix

“The seat is getting very hot,” he mentioned over team radio during FP1.

After the session, he explained to Sky Sports just how uncomfortable the feeling was: “It was ridiculously roasting in our car, for [what reason] I'm not quite sure exactly, [but] I think down by the radiators there's probably some leakage of hot air.

“So, yeah, it was very hot,” he added. “Like sitting on a sauna with no shorts on sort of pain!”

Lewis Hamilton Mercedes George Russell Kimi Antonelli Monza