Lewis Hamilton has explained his decision to snub a trip to the podium after finishing sixth at the Italian Grand Prix.
The Ferrari star enjoyed a positive race on a day where Max Verstappen reigned supreme, with McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri also making up the top three.
Hamilton, speaking to Sky Sports, said he was pleased with his display.
And the 40-year-old also revealed he wouldn't be visiting the podium because he 'didn't deserve' to be there.
Lewis Hamilton has explained his decision to snub a trip to the podium after finishing sixth at the Italian Grand Prix
|REUTERS
“I definitely felt on top of the car today and I was really happy with it," stated the Stevenage-born racer.
"A really good launch, got squeezed between a couple of cars so had to back off but was really happy with my position into Turn One and Turn Four.
“After that I got really close to George [Russell] and in hindsight we should have tried to undercut him. Going long just didn’t pay off. That is something we’ll learn from.
“Otherwise after the penalty to move back to sixth after the penalty I’m really grateful.
"To be able to have a solid drive like that today in front of the Tifosi – it’s unbelievable driving here under this banner.
“I didn’t deserve to be on the podium today so I won’t be going to the podium but I’ll probably go out to the wall to see (all the fans).
“Charles [Leclerc] was giving it everything. Max is up there now.
"We don’t have the pace of Red Bull – today they were rapid – and we don’t have the pace of McLaren. So I think we are fourth, fifth.
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Lewis Hamilton was pleased with his performance at the Italian Grand Prix
|REUTERS
"If we do an exceptional job we can maybe get a podium here or there. There’s a chance we can have that but in terms of pure pace we don’t have that.”
Hamilton had started the event in 10th.
Therefore, his ability to secure sixth marked a positive day for the veteran, with Fred Vasseur delighted at his fighting spirit.
Vasseur, discussing Hamilton, said: "He came back.
"With the penalty he was in the middle of the pack but had a strong first stint.
"We tried to have a tyre advantage at the end [against Russell] but the degradation was too low.
"It was a very good race and I'm very pleased for him because he had a tough time in July and he's back, back on the pace.
"He had a good weekend, a good mood, good approach and I think it will help [for the rest of the season]."
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Lewis Hamilton has been hailed by Fred Vasseur following his sixth-placed finish at the Italian Grand Prix
|REUTERS
Hamilton and Ferrari will now turn their attentions to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
That event is due to take place on September 21 (12pm).