Frederic Vasseur is optimistic that Lewis Hamilton will finish the season strong after declaring that the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has "come back" after struggling in July.

Hamilton finished sixth in his first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari, moving up four places after starting 10th due to a penalty in the Netherlands. Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc finished fourth behind winner Max Verstappen and McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Hamilton was in a slump in July, declaring himself "useless", but after the summer break in F1 he showed good things in both races. Despite crashing out at Zandvoort, he was on a similar pace to Leclerc in qualifying and won the opening free practice session before the Italian Grand Prix.

"He's back. A very good race and I'm very happy for him because he had a difficult period in July and he's back. Back to his best pace. I think the good weekend for Lewis will help him for the rest of the season", Ferrari boss Vasseur told Sky Sports F1.

The next race on the Formula 1 calendar is in Azerbaijan on September 21. | BGNES