Mixed emotions for Hamilton after Monza win

Lewis Hamilton presented a contrast in character after an Italian Grand Prix victory that proves he should remain with McLaren.

If ever a weekend were to underline just which side Hamilton’s bread is buttered then it was this one here in Monza.

Bombarded with questions over his future in the build-up, Hamilton shrugged them aside to grab pole and follow that up with his 20th career victory at one of the world’s most famous racetracks.

At times post-race, however,it was hard to believe Hamiltonhad emerged triumphant, closing the gap in the title race to championship leader Fernando Alonso to 37 points after the Spaniard finished third.

In one sentence Hamilton declared himself “so grateful, so happy” to have won, but in another he claimed being on the podium was “hard to enjoy when you’re being booed, but I don’t care, I won”.

As Hamilton took to the podium in front of a sea of tifosi, the colloquial term for Ferrari’s fans, there were plenty of boos for the 27-year-old Briton, seemingly tempering his joy at finally taking the chequered flag at a venue he has long held in such high esteem.

But after a near lights-to-flag success save for a few laps led by superb runner-up Sergio Perez (Sauber), a chirpy Hamilton said: “It’s an incredible feeling, phenomenal.

“You never know what’s going to happen when you come into a race weekend, but I’ve been so happy that it’s just gone quite smoothly throughout the weekend and the guys have done a great job with the package.

“And this is Monza, one of the very historic circuits, one I have not won at before, so it’s great to take another stepping stone in my career. I’m very thankful for all the support I’ve had.”

But then shortly after, in another interview, Hamilton did not raise a smile once, initially batting away questions about the booing.

The suggestion from a team source is Hamilton is thoroughly frustrated with what has happened this week, notably after Eddie Jordan claimed he had already signed a contract with Mercedes.

When it was put to Hamilton today whether this weekend was enough to keep him at McLaren, he said: “I’m not really focusing on next year, I want to focus on this year.

“This is one race at a time and I’m trying to take this team to the top.”