PART ONE – Franco COLAPINTO (Alpine), Kimi ANTONELLI (Mercedes), Fernando ALONSO (Aston Martin)
Q: Fernando, welcome to Monza. It is a spot, in fact, that very nicely. How hopeful are you coming into this race? As a result of the final two races in Hungary and Zandvoort, the automobile has been performing very nicely. Do you suppose it will translate to the lengthy straights right here on the Autodromo?
Fernando ALONSO: Let’s see. I believe we come to Monza a bit of bit extra cautious about our efficiency. Final effectivity circuit was Spa, and we weren’t that quick in Spa. So yeah, we’ll see. We made some modifications after Spa on the set-up of the automobile and the way we strategy the weekends. So hopefully we could be a little bit higher. However I believe, , on paper, it’s not the identical observe, Monza, because the final two races.
Q: We’re two-thirds of the way in which by means of this championship now. You discuss modifications to the set-up, however can we concentrate on the positives? How significantly better is the automobile now in comparison with the place it was firstly of the season, and in what areas?
FA: I believe it’s a lot higher than firstly of the season. I believe my first level within the championship got here in race eight or race 9. So yeah, at first we didn’t have a automobile to be within the high 10 on Sundays. And now evidently we’re in a position to battle within the midfield and to attain factors recurrently. Within the final 9 races, I believe I’ve been seven occasions in Q3, within the high 10. So positively there’s a very totally different automobile now. It’s higher on the aero platform. We didn’t change a lot mechanically on the set-up. Sure, we’re working a bit of bit weekend to weekend, however I believe aerodynamically the automobile is much more steady, rather a lot simpler to drive, and we will put the laps collectively.
Q: And whenever you take a look at the remaining 9 races of this championship, the place do you see your greatest alternatives?
FA: I believe we now have a few locations that we expect are extra just like Budapest and Zandvoort. Perhaps Singapore may be a kind of, perhaps Brazil. However, , we’ve been shocked a bit of bit — typically negatively shocked, typically positively — so we aren’t actually placing all of the hopes in a single or two races. We are going to go each weekend to provide our most, like this one in Monza, even when it appears troublesome. And yeah, we’ll see in Abu Dhabi what number of factors and which constructor place we now have on the finish.
Q: Alright. Fernando, better of luck this weekend. Thanks for that. Kimi, let’s come to you now. Again at Monza, scene of the announcement final yr whenever you have been confirmed as a Mercedes Components 1 driver. It has been fairly a 12 months since then. Can we begin simply by reflecting on all the pieces that is occurred since Monza final yr?
Kimi ANTONELLI: Yeah, it occurred lots of issues. I’ve good reminiscences, but in addition actually unhealthy reminiscences right here. However yeah, I imply, it’s a extremely particular place, and I believe it’s going to be a particular weekend as a result of it’s not simply my second dwelling race, however clearly, as you mentioned, that is the place it began with the announcement. In order that’s why it’s going to be a really particular one. However, , it’s been very intense ever since. And yeah, to date, it’s gone fairly okay.
Q: And whenever you take a look at automobile efficiency, the place do you count on to be popping out this weekend?
KA: It’s all the time robust to say as a result of the automobiles now are getting nearer and nearer. However final yr, trying on the outcome, particularly in qualifying, they have been up there. So this yr, it’s been a little bit of the development that the automobile the place it’s been good final yr was additionally fairly good this yr. So hopefully it’s going to be the identical, however we by no means know.
Q: And whenever you’re on the simulator, are there similarities between right here and Montreal? In fact, Montreal was an incredible race for the workforce.
KA: Effectively, I imply, to begin with, it’s rather a lot decrease downforce right here, however the first two chicanes are actually excessive braking after which going right into a sluggish nook, just like Melbourne. But in addition right here you’ve obtained some fast corners such because the Lesmos, Ascari and Parabolica. So in a roundabout way, it’s just like Montreal by way of traits, however the second half of the lap is a bit totally different. However hopefully — clearly we’re again on the previous suspension, which has given us extra confidence — so hopefully we’ll have the ability to have good tempo.
Q: One factor — you talked about this being your second dwelling race. You have been fairly open after Imola saying that perhaps should you’d had that race weekend once more, you may need executed issues in a different way. There have been lots of calls for in your time there. Are you approaching Monza a bit of in a different way?
KA: For positive. I might be rather more ready, and I positively know significantly better what to anticipate. I do know significantly better how I would like to maneuver round, how I must behave through the race week so as to have the ability to be 100% each time I’m going within the automobile.
Q: Alright. Kimi, better of luck. Thanks very a lot for that. Franco, welcome to the press convention. So again on the scene of your Grand Prix debut final yr — simply how totally different does it really feel coming again to a racetrack for the second time as a Components 1 driver?
Franco COLAPINTO: Yeah, it’s the primary observe I truly raced in final yr. So any further, we’ve obtained one other 9 races that I do know — races that I’ve already been in — which is all the time very useful. However simply very good reminiscences. Being again right here in Monza after a yr of my debut, it does convey lots of flashbacks and reminiscences again, which is all the time very good. To win that shock name final yr, that I used to be leaping on this weekend, was a dream coming true, and lots of issues occurred from there. So yeah, it’s very nice to be again right here in Monza. It’s a observe that I all the time like and I actually get pleasure from driving in. It’s stuffed with Tifosi, very passionate individuals and followers that assist us, and it’s an incredible observe to race. So yeah, can’t look ahead to it.
Q: And do you come right here with lots of confidence? As a result of final weekend, you completed very near the factors. Do you’re feeling you make progress with this automobile now?
FC: Yeah. I really feel rather more in management, beginning to be simply extra assured with the automobile, and I’m gaining that feeling that I had final yr in a short time. I didn’t have it this yr so early on, and I believe now the workforce, my engineers, actually helped me to win that again a bit of bit. We’re nonetheless engaged on it actually onerous as a result of it’s not the place we need to be. We’re doing lots of progress with the automobile, however I believe typically it’s been significantly better. The final two races have been extra aggressive. We confirmed that we’re very near the factors. So nonetheless lots of work to be executed. This observe, it may be fairly onerous for us with the lengthy straights, however I believe if we do nicely and we take all of the alternatives accessible, we will have a very good weekend.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (Tom Slafer – DAZN Spain) Query for Fernando. You have been mentioning how significantly better the automobile is now in comparison with the start of the season. Apart from the great outcomes that the workforce is getting currently, it feels just like the workforce has discovered its manner within the growth race with the brand new flooring in Imola and Silverstone, and perhaps significantly with the brand new entrance wing. Does this make you’re feeling much more optimistic going in the direction of 2026?
FA: Yeah. Yeah, positively. I believe to belief the instruments that we now have within the manufacturing unit and convey issues to the observe that truly ship what was anticipated from them is clearly an excellent factor. We didn’t have that in 2023 and in 2024. So yeah, it’s good to return to a extra regular factory-track sort of correlation and develop the 2026 automobile subsequent winter understanding that the instruments are appropriate.
Q: (Mara Sangiorgio – Sky Italia) A query to Kimi. Kimi, you instructed us final week how a lot you wanted a contemporary weekend. How do you do away with unhealthy ideas like Zandvoort or Monza final yr? What’s the way in which?
KA: Simply specializing in myself, simply specializing in what I’ve to do. It’s very easy to get misplaced and focus an excessive amount of on the ultimate outcome. As an alternative, I believe it’s significantly better — and this I haven’t been doing tremendous nicely — however simply specializing in the issues I’ve to do: driving nicely, placing issues collectively, and serving to the workforce one of the best ways to seek out the most effective stability as nicely. So I believe that’s the principle factor — simply attempting to concentrate on myself and attempting to get each element proper.
Q: (Moritz Steidl – Servus TV) Query to Fernando. It’s a twenty second time in Monza driving. Take us perhaps by means of the years — how a lot did it change to drive a automobile on this Temple of Velocity?
FA: Yeah, positively, it did change rather a lot. I believe I drove even totally different configurations of Monza, not solely the present one. However yeah, the way in which the automobiles modified makes Monza a bit of bit totally different than up to now. The best way the downforce behaves now’s a bit of bit safer. I keep in mind the primary couple of years in Monza, driving with no rear wing mainly, made the automobile really feel prefer it was floating on the straights, and it appeared like you weren’t completely in command of it. Now I’d not say that it’s straightforward, however the automobiles are in management on a regular basis. Clearly, now we now have totally different units which might be making this place safer. That’s for me the largest distinction. Prior to now, once we used to return to Monza, you felt the hazard, you felt the pace, you felt the adrenaline. Now it’s a bit of bit tougher to really feel that factor. We’ve the Halo, we now have the HANS gadget, we now have various things that I didn’t have the primary time I drove right here. Everyone seems to be doing assessments earlier than coming to F1 in Monza, or not less than with very low downforce. Again within the 2000s, there weren’t these sorts of privileges.
Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports activities) A query to all three. F1 boss Stefano Domenicali has talked about perhaps younger followers having shorter consideration spans, and perhaps we want extra Sprints or perhaps even Grand Prix needs to be decreased in size. What do you concentrate on that? Who’d like to start out? Go on, Kimi.
KA: It’s a troublesome one. I believe personally, Dash weekends are enjoyable as a result of you may have lots of exercise. It’s important to be on level right away as a result of you may have one follow, then qualifying, and you then go right into a Dash race. However I believe shorter races — I don’t suppose it will actually work, as a result of already now with lengthy races, we do one-stop technique with the tyres we now have. They must implement so many extra guidelines for a shorter race by way of pit stops and so forth, as a result of I don’t suppose it will change a lot. I believe additionally with the longer race, most likely you may have extra time to construct your race. However yeah, I don’t actually know. I can’t actually give a transparent reply on this, however that’s my thought. However Dash weekends are enjoyable, in order that wouldn’t be unhealthy — having extra of them.
FC: Yeah, I believe they’re simply doing an incredible job. Stefano did an incredible job in bringing the game to the place it’s now. He’s an incredible chief, and I actually respect the hassle that everybody is doing to attempt to make it higher for the followers, for everybody right here. It’s getting larger and larger, Components 1. If it’s from somebody, it’s because of them and the hassle. I can’t remark an excessive amount of on that — there are lots of new issues occurring within the sport and they’re bringing lots of new individuals to it. I believe we’re all very grateful for the hassle they’ve been doing up to now to make the game higher and to convey it to the place it’s now. I simply get pleasure from driving. So if we maintain driving and maintain doing lots of laps, I’m pleased with that. It doesn’t actually matter what session it’s.
FA: Yeah, I don’t know. I imply, I might be on the opposite facet — I might be in entrance of the TV when that occurs. So I don’t know. I don’t suppose it’s an issue with the game. So most likely it’s not wanted to alter, however Stefano is aware of higher than anybody. So if he thinks that it’s wanted, we’re in good arms with him in this sort of resolution. However I don’t know. Additionally, soccer matches are a bit of bit lengthy. Once I sit in entrance of the TV, I’m not watching the 90 minutes absolutely concentrated. I’m going to the kitchen, come again — there’s all the time some moments of distraction, and nobody is speaking about having 60-minute soccer matches or one thing like that. So it’s an issue of society and the children, however not the game. So most likely it’s not wanted, the change.
Q: And Fernando, should you did shorten the Grand Prix — with all of your expertise — what would we lose, if something?
FA: I believe, as Kimi mentioned, most likely you should do your personal race and you should discover your manner into the race to return to your pure place on the finish of the race should you execute it nicely. If it’s too quick, like in among the Dash races, should you begin with a foul qualifying or no matter, there may be not time to execute something. It’s troublesome to comply with — all of the automobiles have the identical tyre age, there’s no risk to get well locations. So the longer race offers you that risk, that freedom on the technique. However yeah, as I mentioned, it’s a troublesome subject. Most likely refuelling can be the most effective factor — I’ve mentioned many occasions. I do know that is completely the other way of the way it’s going. However when you possibly can select your gas load and have totally different methods, that modifications utterly the way in which the race unfolds and that creates an unbelievable, enticing technique and races.
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Sadly there wasn’t a lot overtaking within the refuelling days however we will discuss that one other time. Query to Kimi. If a rookie yr is all about studying, what did you study from Imola that you’ve modified for this — in order that whenever you say you’re higher ready for this, your second race, you will do in a different way?
KA: Effectively, positively after I mentioned I’ll be extra ready — clearly, it was my first dwelling race and there was rather a lot happening, particularly exterior the observe. I believe additionally on my facet, I didn’t handle vitality one of the best ways, and simply going again within the automobile and never feeling 100%, additionally focus-wise. So I really feel like on that facet I’ll know significantly better learn how to react and learn how to behave. I believe that’s going to be the principle studying — additionally attempting to handle the vitality one of the best ways doable throughout the entire weekend. As a result of, clearly, you begin the weekend after which as you go, as you arrive to Sunday, in fact you may have a bit much less vitality general. However a very powerful is that you simply arrive with essentially the most quantity of vitality. I keep in mind being in Imola and already from the Saturday I used to be fairly drained. So yeah, positively that was a very good studying and I don’t need that to occur once more.
Q: (Panagiotis Seitanidis – Antenna TV Greece) A query for Kimi. Clearly, you’re the dwelling hero and entire Italy cheers for you. However whenever you have been in Santorini this summer season, all people was sending me footage — “Oh, Kimi’s right here, Kimi’s there.” How do you deal with this sudden stardom of F1 even in locations the place there isn’t any race and also you don’t have your workforce package? And secondly, what did you want about our nation?
KA: Effectively, to begin with, I like Greece. I went already a few occasions and I believe it’s a extremely great spot to spend summer season — whether or not with household, with a girlfriend, or with buddies. I believe it’s very nice, the place, to begin with, as a result of it lets you disconnect and to loosen up. And the opposite query — you sort of count on it a bit of bit, particularly whenever you’re racing on the peak of the game. But it surely’s clearly tremendous good to see that there are already lots of followers supporting you. I simply attempt to embrace this as nicely — getting the constructive vitality from them. In fact, typically you should perhaps say no, however in that event, on vacation, I used to be pleased with that. I used to be simply attempting to get the constructive vitality from them, and it’s all the time good to have these sorts of issues.
Q: (Ian Parkes – RacingNews365.com) Query for you, Fernando. You have been concerned in lots of an incredible title tussle over time — some you’ve got gained, some you’ve got misplaced. If you’re within the place that Lando and Oscar are in proper now, what is the supreme mindset to take, significantly when , provided that it is strictly between these two, that any mistake or any incident — as Lando sadly suffered on Sunday — can show extremely pricey?
FA: Yeah. I imply, nothing you are able to do on the exterior elements. You simply must ship the job each weekend as they do. They’re doing extremely nicely. They’ve a really sturdy automobile, however they maintain delivering all the time, even on the troublesome weekends. Lando was unfortunate in Zandvoort, however nonetheless many races to go. So that you simply concentrate on successful each weekend should you can. And should you try this, you’ll be champion. And accepting that typically you’ll be second or third, and attempt to maintain the subsequent one alive.
Q: (Silvia Arias – Parabrisas) Franco, after one yr in Components 1, that are the facets during which you’re feeling extra snug? And that are those the place you continue to should strive onerous?
FC: Yeah, I believe that one yr in the past all the pieces was new, and all the pieces was difficult to get used to it so rapidly. Now I’ve obtained much more expertise, much more time. I believe that step of instantly having to work with 20 engineers, or 30 engineers, within the manufacturing unit — and in F2 you solely had one particular person actually to speak to and get all that data out. Right here, it’s a actually huge workforce. It’s lots of people placing lots of effort to make that automobile go fast. It is greater than a thousand individuals within the manufacturing unit making that automobile to place it out on observe. And I believe that’s the most effective factor I’ve discovered — to work nicely with everybody and with the workforce, and to know that for it to go nicely, it must be actually sturdy from the bottom. And I believe working with the workforce continuously actually brings a giant assist to make the automobile go fast and do what you need it to do. That’s actually essential.
Q: (Ludo van Denderen – GPBlog.com) Fernando, together with your firm, you signed René Ramos final week as considered one of your drivers to be managed. What do you count on from him, and do you see a future for him in Components 1?
FA: Effectively, I imply, at that age, you by no means know what the longer term will convey. Each driver that we soak up aged 14 — clearly, we attempt to assist as a lot as we will to comply with their goals. However finally, I believe you need to be an expert driver. When you find yourself in karting and in junior formulation, you usually have to take a position cash, and all the pieces is pricey. You want to maintain deciding which programme you do the next yr relying a bit of bit on the finances as nicely. So if we will handle to have drivers which might be skilled and receives a commission to carry out the job sooner or later, that is already the primary aim. To get to F1, clearly, that’s the dream of all of the younger drivers. And the issue in Components 1 is that there are solely 22 [seats]. That’s the one filter that you should undergo finally. However he has the expertise. He has been extraordinarily quick in karting, attracted the eye of many Components 4 groups, and he’s doing very nicely in single-seaters. So for positive, he’s one of the promising drivers we now have within the academy.
Q: (Leonid Kliuev – GrandePremio.com.br) Query for all three. In Zandvoort, Carlos was fairly vocal concerning the stewards’ resolution on the collision with Liam. Did you guys discuss it within the drivers’ WhatsApp group? And are you now not sure what’s allowed and what’s not?
KA: I imply, probably not. I used to be already busy with my stuff and with what I did. So I didn’t actually have to have a look at it.
FC: No. I don’t actually know. I believe he mentioned he needed a gathering with the stewards after, so we must always ask him. We’re not in that assembly, so I don’t know.
FA: Yeah, similar. No. I didn’t know something additional.
Q: (Jake Boxall-Legge – Autosport) A query for Franco, please. Franco, you mentioned after Zandvoort that your workforce didn’t perhaps maximise the probabilities to get you into the factors. I believe it was about you and PS switching positions. Did you get clarification after the race on that incident? Are you pleased with the way it was dealt with on reflection?
FC: Yeah. I believe it was a extremely good weekend. Generally, I used to be actually pleased with the way it went. We did discover lots of efficiency, and within the race I believe we did a very good job on the technique. The workforce did a very good job as nicely. I believe all the pieces was very clear. We did swap positions and all the pieces was good on that. We have been simply very near the factors, and it was a little bit of a pity we didn’t rating, however I’m positive it should come quickly.
Q: A query for Kimi. After what occurred in Zandvoort, do you suppose it’s greatest for you that there’s one other race right away, even when that comes with the additional stress of being on dwelling soil?
KA: Yeah. For positive. I believe within the race I used to be having good momentum. The tempo was sturdy, and particularly on that onerous tire I felt fairly nicely. I used to be in a position to catch, lap by lap, the group in entrance. After which in fact, the contact occurred, which clearly was not supreme. Within the second I felt like going for it, additionally as a result of it was most likely my solely probability. So yeah, only a disgrace — clearly it wasn’t me. However in fact it’s all the time good to have a back-to-back race as a result of, regardless of what occurred, I can nonetheless carry this momentum into this race weekend, particularly after seeing that the tempo general was higher. So hopefully we will maintain working, maintain bettering, after which ship an incredible outcome this weekend.
Q: (Carlo Platella – FormulaPassion.it) Query for Franco and Kimi. Concerning the doable improve within the variety of dash races — do you suppose that it’s going to make life for rookies tougher, contemplating they are going to have much less time in follow to study and experiment?
KA: I believe yeah. I imply, it clearly is dependent upon the observe. If it’s a brand new observe, it’s a bit harder for rookies as a result of they should rise up to hurry — like we needed to do in a few events this yr, similar to China, Miami, and Austin as nicely with Dash. So typically it’s robust. However you probably have the arrogance, you’re in a position to construct up into the session and discover your rhythm fairly fast. In comparison with extra skilled drivers, it may be a little bit of a drawback since you don’t know the element of the observe, the place you can also make more often than not and the place you possibly can lose essentially the most. However general, should you’re in a position to rise up to hurry rapidly, and particularly you probably have the arrogance, you possibly can nonetheless ship a very good outcome even with one follow.
FC: I believe we’re used to 2 weekends — it’s totally quick, very small quantity of laps earlier than quali — and you should be very fast on high of it. It’s all the time difficult whenever you don’t know the observe. I had that final yr. I believe Austin and Qatar have been Sprints. I didn’t know the observe, so it’s difficult, however I nonetheless had a very good outcome there in Dash Quali in Austin. So it’s not — I believe should you prep nicely these days, the simulator additionally helps rather a lot. So yeah, should you may be on high of it and do a very good prep, it actually helps. We’re used to not having lots of laps in follow, so it’s not too unhealthy, I believe.
PART TWO – Carlos SAINZ (Williams), Lewis HAMILTON (Ferrari), Yuki TSUNODA (Pink Bull Racing)
Q: Lewis, let’s begin with you. Wonderful scenes yesterday in central Milan. You have skilled rather a lot in your Components 1 profession. Simply how was it seeing so many individuals cheering you on?
Lewis HAMILTON: Effectively, good afternoon, everybody. Yeah, yesterday was such a novel expertise. I believe already from yesterday morning, I obtained to Maranello. And whenever you stroll in after which see the Ferrari brand, I nonetheless should pinch myself. It’s actually so distinctive. There are individuals exterior the manufacturing unit all the time. I’ve by no means seen followers exterior of a manufacturing unit earlier than in any of my years, and also you see that each single time. There’s simply such a constructive vitality, clearly a lot love for this model and what it means to individuals. To be in Milan, actually within the coronary heart of all of it yesterday and seeing the followers and simply how passionate they have been… wow. It was intense however very, very constructive. I actually tried to harness all that good vitality that they gave us.
Q: And have you ever stopped and thought only for a second what it will be like to face on this distinctive podium right here at Monza as a Ferrari driver?
LH: Actually, I haven’t, just because I’ve been on the rostrum loads of occasions right here, so I do know what it’s wish to be up there. I’ve seen the way it’s been for different Ferrari drivers, and something I attempt to think about might be removed from what that feeling may very well be. However all the time, simply coming right here for anybody, it doesn’t matter what workforce you drive for, it’s an unbelievable expertise. Being on this park, at this historic circuit, after which seeing the entire Tifosi all through the pit straight. But in addition whenever you do the parade lap, the followers are very shut, so it seems like they’re proper with you within the automobile. It’s fairly cool.
Q: Let’s simply discuss efficiency. How do you suppose it’s going to play out this weekend with the automobile?
LH: I don’t know. I imply, I’m nonetheless clearly in my first yr with the workforce, and so each weekend is the primary time driving this automobile at that observe. The strategy is totally different from my earlier experiences. If you go to totally different locations, the set-up’s totally different. So it’s all the time new, which I’m having fun with in the mean time. I believe Ferrari’s journey has gone fairly nicely up to now years. Clearly, they gained right here final yr with an incredible technique and an incredible drive from Charles. I’m actually eager to see how the automobile works right here. We’re positively studying from weekend to weekend, a great deal of positives to take from the final, so I believe we simply should maintain constructing on that.
Q: Yuki, speaking of positives, again within the factors at Zandvoort final weekend. Do you’re feeling you’re actually beginning to make progress with the RB21 now?
Yuki TSUNODA: Yeah. Good afternoon. I believe I had progress since day considered one of being on this automobile. I wouldn’t say the primary few races it confirmed within the outcomes, however not less than in how I felt. I used to be absolutely satisfied I used to be in the correct path, simply step-by-step. Leaping into the center of the season just isn’t straightforward. Quite a lot of issues modified additionally inside the Pink Bull workforce as nicely. So I gave my all each race. However I knew, particularly in the previous couple of races, it’s been getting nearer and nearer. It’s all about placing all of it collectively, particularly as the entire area could be very, very tight. Each millisecond from Q1, Q2, Q3 counts rather a lot. It’s a race [Zandvoort], I used to be in a position to put all of it collectively. Top-of-the-line weekends I had by way of progress and the standard all through the weekend. It was not straightforward with the security automobiles and all the pieces, however I used to be in a position to squeeze out factors, which I’m fairly pleased with.
Q: Monza hasn’t been type to you up to now, has it? Do you come right here this weekend with renewed confidence?
YT: I imply, I reset yearly. Though, such as you mentioned, three out of 4 occasions I had DNFs with lots of troubles. So I hope I don’t have that this yr. I nonetheless get pleasure from this observe rather a lot. Very difficult by way of confidence. When you may have confidence, you are able to do a fast lap, and likewise for the race it’s fairly a raceable observe in comparison with others. So yeah, I’m nonetheless trying ahead to it.
Q: And the way essential is an efficient outcome for you on the minute? Do you’re feeling you’re nonetheless having to impress the workforce, impress your new boss, Laurent Mekies?
YT: Yeah. That’s what I’m attempting to do each race. You all the time want outcomes as a lot as doable. I attempt to exceed expectations and simply maintain doing what I’m doing. I don’t suppose I’ve to alter a lot. Since Laurent joined, truly, my outcomes haven’t been too unhealthy. Clearly, whether or not it’s sufficient or not, that’s not for me to resolve. However I simply maintain pushing.
Q: Carlos, let’s come to you now. You’ve a very good file right here. I believe again to that pole place a few years in the past. Williams additionally goes nicely right here traditionally. Simply what kind of alternatives does Monza current you guys?
Carlos SAINZ: Yeah, it’s a observe that I like coming to. I believe it’s probably the greatest racetracks on this planet. Having all of the Tifosi there makes it extra satisfying. I simply do nicely right here for some cause. Perhaps the large brakings or simply feeling the automobile a bit extra unfastened, with a low downforce bundle, I all the time really feel extra snug. It seems to be prefer it’s been a very good observe for Williams up to now, so hopefully we will get a very good outcome.
Q: James Vowles mentioned after the summer season break that the subsequent three races – Zandvoort, Monza, Baku – are an incredible alternative for Williams. Are you able to clarify to us why your automobile may be so aggressive on three such totally different race tracks?
CS: Effectively, it simply utterly is dependent upon the kind of nook. We’ve a automobile that does very nicely in straight line braking and 90-degree corners. We don’t like spending an excessive amount of time in a mixed conditions of entry and exit. We wrestle very a lot with through-corner stability limitation, which hurts us in lengthy corners. Despite the fact that at this observe we needs to be higher, there’s nonetheless Parabolica or Lesmo 1 the place, in comparison with the competitors, we’re going to be down. These are fairly essential corners. However even like that, we imagine we will nonetheless do good lap occasions within the straights and in tight quick corners like Flip 1–2, Flip 3–4. We’ve good experience, we now have good braking capability. So yeah, it’s an attention-grabbing automobile. I’m discovering lots of new issues this yr, having to adapt my driving type rather a lot to totally different limitations that I wasn’t used to up to now. It’s a course of I’m having fun with, but in addition one that’s making me extra full as a driver. Perhaps it’s not the nicest automobile to drive in some areas, however it positively has superb qualities in others, and also you simply must know learn how to maximise them.
QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Q: (Moritz Steidl – Servus TV) Query to Lewis. I do not forget that whenever you joined Mercedes, Niki Lauda satisfied you. Niki’s first title with Ferrari was 50 years in the past this Sunday. If you determined to return to Ferrari, how a lot was Niki at the back of your thoughts?
LH: Effectively, firstly, I’ve a lot love for Niki. However Niki didn’t persuade me to hitch Mercedes. It was extra Ross, actually, again then. After we sat collectively in my mum’s kitchen, he instructed me the place the workforce was going and what they have been doing. Niki was positively part of it, however it was principally that assembly that basically pulled me in. Niki and I had a tremendous relationship. Once I joined Ferrari, I hadn’t even considered Niki having pushed at Ferrari. It was actually simply because, as a child, I watched Michael and was a giant fan of the workforce. I all the time regarded on the response from the group each time Ferrari was on the rostrum – the eagerness was like no different workforce. I needed to really feel what that was like.
Now having joined the workforce and studying extra concerning the historical past, it’s wonderful this weekend, as a result of I obtained to have a good time Niki at Mercedes, I obtained to have a good time successful championships with him, and now to have the ability to come to Ferrari and have a good time him right here too. His legacy continues to reside on. I do know what he can be saying to me these days, and he’s all the time at the back of my thoughts that thought. Once I didn’t do nicely, he would do that and he’d inform me to “give them hell” – however he would all the time say the phrase ‘arseholes’! I by no means understood it at first. I’d say “what do you imply? Do you imply give them hell?” and he would say no “give them arseholes!”. However he was simply such a fighter.
Q: (David Croft – Sky Sports activities F1) Within the spirit of Niki, you’ve obtained to go on the market and provides it hell on Sunday. The chase for the primary Ferrari podium continues, and also you’ve obtained a five-place grid penalty. Is a podium nonetheless lifelike? And likewise, is there frustration that an infringement that occurred thirty minutes earlier than the beginning of the race wasn’t handled at Zandvoort and carries over into this weekend?
LH: In fact. I don’t know the way the opposite drivers felt concerning the selections from the final race, however after I landed again dwelling and noticed I obtained this penalty, I used to be actually shocked. However it’s what it’s. It’s clearly not black and white. If you happen to take a look at the report, I did raise, however to their liking, not sufficient. To get the penalty and penalty factors is fairly hardcore. However I study from it. There’s no level whinging about it. I’ll transfer ahead. It’s going to be difficult this weekend. Qualifying is already so shut between us all. Simply moving into Q3 is hard, moving into the highest 5 could be very robust. After which on high of that, to be set again 5 locations just isn’t nice whenever you’re going into your first Monza GP with Ferrari. But it surely offers me extra to battle for, and I’m very motivated to make up these locations regardless.
Q: (Craig Slater – Sky Sports activities) One other one for Lewis. Except for the penalty and the way the race ended, you are taking lots of positives from the weekend. Has one thing clicked with you within the automobile? Are you able to see the onerous work paying off? Was that the most effective you felt in it?
LH: Positively within the race. All through the weekend, the strategy we had was spot on. I felt it was considered one of our strongest, if not the strongest, and smoothest weekends up till Sunday. Sunday was disappointing and unlucky, not the outcome we wish. It’s uncommon for me as a result of I don’t actually make lots of errors in races like that. The nice factor is the workforce remained actually constructive, extremely supportive each weekend. They raise your spirits. Then within the following days, they deep-dived into attempting to know what led to it. It wasn’t a scarcity of focus. There have been a number of issues that contributed: for instance, we had a downgraded upshift, which locked the rear wheels and spat the rear finish out. Additionally, it was spitting and so I used to be perhaps 10 millimetres or 10 centimetres wider than the earlier lap. So a mixture of issues. Both manner, it’s not nice, however I study from it and transfer ahead. If I apply that very same strategy this weekend and the next races, I really feel constructive concerning the path we’re going.
Q: (Panagiotis Seitanidis – Antenna TV Greece) A query for Lewis and Yuki. Since you might be collectively, I don’t know should you know it or you probably have talked about it, however through the summer season break you have been in the identical interval on the identical Greek island. Am I appropriate?
LH: Yeah. However I believe it was a special island, perhaps subsequent to one another. I want I knew so we might have met up. Greece is gorgeous. In my previous few summers, I wish to go to locations that aren’t so busy. Clearly, I went to a comparatively busy a part of Greece, which is Mykonos, which is unquestionably manner too busy for me. However as I began to journey additional south to among the different islands, it’s breathtaking. It’s positively my new favorite place to go. On the finish of my journey, I used to be discovering new locations, and I used to be like, I want I got here right here first. There’s nonetheless much more for me to see. I cherished how personal it was. The tradition seems to be actually lovely, the buildings, the little cities, and the meals is unbelievable. I can’t wait until subsequent summer season to return.
YT: Effectively, yeah, I didn’t know additionally that Lewis was on the different facet of the island, subsequent to one another. Similar, like, , you need the seashore, the seas are all the time lovely. The meals is extremely contemporary, particularly the seafood. I loved it rather a lot, particularly for coaching as nicely. It’s constantly good climate, and it’s heat, however on the similar time you’re feeling some good breeze constantly. For me it’s the most effective place to do this. And many of the islands should not that huge, so should you do biking you are able to do a complete loop and see many of the locations from that island. Yeah, it’s actually cool.
Q: (Margot Laffite – Canal+) Query for Lewis. How do you take care of the blended feelings you’ve gone by means of throughout the entire journey of Ferrari between the love you acquired from the Tifosi and likewise the doubts you may have expressed till now?
LH: Yeah. It’s been an emotional curler coaster. Did I count on it to be as unstable by way of feeling? No. However that’s life. Despite the fact that we had a troublesome Sunday, we’re popping out on the brighter finish of the tunnel. I learn one thing not too long ago saying there’s no level stressing about tomorrow as a result of it usually places shade on the current. So I’m actually attempting to not fear about tomorrow. I’m attempting to be current and luxuriate in each second as a result of this half of the season has passed by actually fast. It’s my first half a season with this workforce, and there’s clearly an extended approach to go. I don’t need to miss any of those particular moments. For instance, yesterday, my first Monza in Ferrari pink. Once I go away the storage tomorrow, it’s going to be extremely particular coming onto this circuit. I replicate on after I was a child watching Michael successful right here. Now I get to have that have of being on the receiving finish of the Tifosi. I need to give them completely all the pieces this weekend to get the most effective outcome for them as a result of the eagerness and the assist they’ve given me and this workforce is like nothing I’ve ever seen.
Q: (Rui Chagas – DAZN Portugal). Assuming that you’re going to get to Q3, as all of us hope, you and Charles, and he wants a tow, have you ever guys mentioned that?
LH: A tow? Yeah. For pole, let’s say? No. I do know that Ferrari used to do it a few years in the past. I keep in mind after I began not less than, I seen Kimi and Felipe used to do this usually. I’ve by no means actually… it may be useful, however in my previous it felt like there was extra threat, and sometimes one particular person needed to be sacrificed for it. So I’m unsure whether or not they are going to try this this weekend. It’s not been mentioned.
But when it meant getting Charles there, then I’d be comfortable to play that position.
Q: Carlos has Ferrari executed that within the current previous?
CS: Not not too long ago. No. We have been simply going for regular prepare tows, no particular teammate technique.
Q: (Ian Parkes – RacingNews365.com) Query for you, Carlos. Reflecting in your incident at Zandvoort, and I’m positive you’ve had one other look again at it, do you stay equally as shocked on the penalty now as Lewis did about his penalty? Specifically, and given the phrases of Liam Lawson that the stewards mainly utilized the letter of the legislation close to the rules and the way in which they stand. And in case you are nonetheless shocked, what’s the way in which ahead with regard to that regulation? And do you continue to plan to speak to the stewards, if doable?
CS: Yeah. I did get the possibility to go and communicate to them after the race. There was a misunderstanding whereas I used to be within the TV pen the place I believed I’d not have the ability to go. However ultimately, I had the chance to go and sit with them for quarter-hour to analyse the incident. It was very clear to me that as quickly as they obtained all of the proof proper they usually regarded on the locations they wanted to take the correct resolution, it was clear to me that I believe they realised most likely the choice taken wasn’t the most effective one. Now we try to see if we will provide you with sufficient proof to alter the end result of the penalty, as a result of I nonetheless firmly imagine it was a really poor penalty I acquired and a foul judgment, which might occur so long as you may have the capability to revisit it. If there’s been a misunderstanding or a scarcity of proof or evaluation, then there may be nonetheless time to reanalyse it, reopen it, and alter it. I do imagine that they had a really troublesome Sunday trying again at it. They’d a really busy afternoon, and perhaps it was overwhelming due to the quantity of stuff that occurred within the race. However I nonetheless firmly imagine what I believed after the race. Now in a cooler-headed state, I nonetheless imagine the penalty was not acceptable, and I made it very clear.
Q: (Jon Noble – The Race) One other one for Carlos, simply as a follow-up. How do you choose the method and the dynamics between drivers and the FIA relating to these controversial subjects? Is it working? Are they listening? Are they open to creating modifications when these flashpoints occur?
CS: It’s very robust. I maintain, particularly after the race, attempting to do my greatest to regulate my feelings. However there are moments the place it’s very troublesome to regulate them and it’s very obscure sure issues. I’ve all the time mentioned it, and I’ll all the time assist the thought, that in F1 we must always have mounted stewards. The rules are already extremely complicated, it will be very helpful to all the time have the identical individuals judging and making use of them, as a result of then what you’re coping with. My perception is that’s the way in which ahead. I’m not talking for the GPDA or anybody right here. That’s my particular person perception. I believe they’ve an extremely troublesome job, and typically in addition they have restricted time. I believe what occurred in my case in Zandvoort was a consequence of attempting to hurry a choice with out trying deep sufficient within the evaluation. If you happen to simply apply the rule within the rulebook, you may perceive why they might need to penalise me. The second you analyse the onboard footage and go into element, you possibly can clearly see why I ought to have by no means obtained a penalty. However the reverse may be utilized for the incident Lewis. Perhaps within the Lewis incident, the choice course of took too lengthy, and he’s now having to endure a penalty in Monza when he did nothing unsuitable right here. He had half an hour through the race to pay a penalty for his infringement. That reveals how troublesome the method is, how troublesome all the pieces is to deal with, and why there’s all the time enhancements to be made and it must be a collaboration between drivers, FIA, GPDA, to try to discover higher options. Zandvoort uncovered why we aren’t on the proper degree but for such a troublesome however unbelievable sport to observe.
Q: (Alejandro Alonso López – Diariomotor.com) Query to Lewis. You’ve been round for some time. You skilled success and difficult moments as nicely. Would you say that is nonetheless the hardest season of your profession to date, with all of the expectations for you becoming a member of Ferrari? How have you ever been coping with that, and what have you ever discovered?
LH: I don’t keep in mind each single season, to be trustworthy, so I don’t actually need to examine it to others. I’m positive there have been loads of seasons which have felt troublesome. I keep in mind 2009 was troublesome. I keep in mind 2010, 2011 wasn’t nice. 2012 was a pivotal second for me. Clearly 2022, 2023. So there’s been loads of others that have been simply totally different. I used to be in a special place in my life. This one, actually residing the dream, shifting to race with Ferrari. In fact, I had the entire of final yr to consider it and attempt to put together, however there are nonetheless stuff you couldn’t foresee. There’s been lots of adjustment each from my facet and the workforce’s facet. They’ve actually moved heaven and earth to accommodate me. Clearly, there are cultural variations. Fred made a remark that maybe they underestimated me becoming a member of the workforce and the yr we’ve been confronted with by way of the issues with the automobile. So yeah, a mixture of all these issues. However actually, the tougher it’s, the higher it will possibly make you. This yr has been robust for everybody within the workforce, however it prepares us for higher days. We’ll be stronger having gone by means of this robust first six months. I’m actually excited and motivated for a constructive uphill battle from right here, and I really feel like I’ve obtained the most effective individuals round me to do this.
ENDS
