Ferrari drivers criticize team strategy during Italian Grand Prix qualifying at Monza

Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton expressed dissatisfaction with Ferrari’s operational strategy during qualifying for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on September 5, 2026. The drivers qualified in fourth and fifth place, respectively, after struggling with technical issues and communication delays. Leclerc reported a battery problem in Q2, while Hamilton cited a lack of track time due to timing delays during the session. The pair benefitted from a three-place grid penalty issued to Oscar Piastri for impeding Liam Lawson, moving them up to third and fourth on the grid for the upcoming 53-lap race. Despite the result, both drivers acknowledged that Pierre Gasly performed well to secure pole position, suggesting that Alpine executed a cleaner strategy throughout the qualifying session.

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