Lewis Hamilton tried to focus on the positives about his first Italian Grand Prix as a Ferrari driver.

It was a strong start for the Briton, who set the fastest lap in first practice, but knew that he would have to serve a five-place grid penalty due to a yellow flag infringement at last week’s Dutch Grand Prix.

Hamilton managed to qualify in fifth, which meant a P10 start for Sunday’s race.

The former world champion was able to make up places from the start however, and soon found himself in sixth behind former teammate George Russell.

Attempting to stay out longer than the Mercedes driver did not result in an overtake, as Hamilton had to settle for sixth place at the chequered flag.

Speaking after the race, Hamilton said: “It was definitely some good overtaking, it was tough coming from where I was to then try and catch up to these other cars.

“I was sitting in traffic for periods of time where you lose time to the cars ahead and you eat more of your tires up.

“I think I’m generally quite happy with the overall performance and I think this was as good as it could have got.”

The Italian Grand Prix is a very special occasion for Hamilton’s new team, Ferrari.

Not only is it their home race, but it is also where the Tifosi, Ferrari’s fanbase, flock the track’s grandstands to passionately support the team.

The seven-times world champion, who is hoping to win Ferrari its first championship since 2008, felt the support throughout the entire weekend.

He said: “It’s everything you could ever hope for.

“Of course, you want to be fighting at the front but it’s unbelievable to just be on the receiving end. It’s Ferrari all the way around the track.

“You see the pit straight now – it’s as far as the eye can see. It’s a dream to drive for this team, and I’m really just going to work as hard as I can to one day stand on the top of that podium. That’s my dream.”