Brundle spots 'Hamilton from the past' at Monza: 'Glad to see him look happier'

21:25, 09 Sep

Updated: 23:37, 09 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Former Formula 1 driver Martin Brundle was encouraged by Lewis Hamilton's performance at the Italian Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion completed his first outing as a Ferrari driver in Monza last Sunday.

Hamilton crossed the finish line in sixth place after a penalty from the Dutch Grand Prix relegated him to P10 on the grid. On Sunday, the British driver also described his performance as a 'solid drive.

Compared to the Hungarian Grand Prix where he called himself 'useless' after qualifying, the Ferrari driver has continuously spoken about progress since the summer break, both in the Netherlands and Italy.

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, F1, FP3, Italian Grand Prix

Brundle sees Hamilton 'adjusting his mindset'

Brundle also saw a 'happier' Hamilton last weekend, he wrote in his column for Sky Sports.

"Lewis Hamilton was carrying a five-place grid drop for speeding indiscretions going to the grid in Zandvoort which frankly were a fair cop, and he would start 10th, but once again coming though the pack as he did at Silverstone and other races, we would witness Lewis driving as we remember from years previous.

"All round he looked more comfortable in the car, and seems to have had a mindset adjustment of making the best of what he has instead of being frustrated that he's not got a race-winning car underneath him.

"He's probably also come to terms with just how fast Charles Leclerc is. It was nice to observe Lewis looking happier," the Briton concluded.

Hamilton talks of 'alien driving style'

Talking to GPblog in Italy, Hamilton talked about the different style the SF-25 requires compared to the car he developed over years with Mercedes.

"This year I'm arriving at the track and having to apply this new driving style that is still alien to me.

"To me it doesn't feel natural, to a car that that's how it has to work," he explained.