Admitting that driving for Ferrari is an emotional rollercoaster, Lewis Hamilton says he was shocked to learn of his Monza grid penalty.

Having crashed out of last weekend's Dutch Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion's day got that little bit worse when he was handed a 5-place grid penalty for this weekend's race for failing to slow sufficiently under double-waved yellow flags on his way to the grid.

"I landed back home and saw I got this penalty, and I was really shocked to be honest," he told reporters at the Autodromo Nazionale.

In fact, he did slow... but not by enough.

"It's obviously not black and white," he said. "The fact is, if you look at the report, I did lift but to their liking not enough and so that's why they are saying it's not more.

"To get the penalty and get penalty points is pretty hardcore," he added, "but I'll learn from it and there's no point whinging about it. I'll move forwards.

"It's going to be challenging this weekend," he admitted. "Qualifying is already so close between us all so just getting to Q3 is tough, getting in the top five is very, very tough.

"Then, on top of that, to be set back five places is not great when you are going into your first Monza GP with Ferrari. But it gives me more to fight for and makes me motivated to make up those places regardless."

Following the nightmare of Hungary, where Hamilton appeared to suffer a crisis of self-confidence, Zandvoort was shaping up to be a significant improvement. Out-pacing his teammate in all three practice session, the tables were turned in qualifying. Then came that crash.

"Throughout the weekend the approach that we had I think was spot on," he said. "I felt like it was one of strongest and smoothest weekends, up until Sunday, that we had. Sunday was obviously not the result that we want. I said that it's unusual for me because I don't really make a lot of mistakes in races like that.

"But the great thing is that the team remained really, really positive," he continued. "They are incredibly supportive every single weekend. Even though personally you don't feel great about it, they lift your spirits. The following day they were deep-diving to try and really understand what led to it, because it wasn't a case of a lack of concentration. There were several things that contributed to it.

"For example, I had a downgraded upshift which locked the rear wheels and spat the rear-end out," he revealed. "Also it was spitting so I was like 10mm or 10cm wider than on the previous lap.

"There were a combination of things, either way it's not great, I'll learn from it and move forwards. But if I apply the same approach this weekend and to the following races, I really feel positive about the direction we go."

Ahead of his baptism at what is the spiritual home of Ferrari and the Tifosi, the seven-time champion was asked how he deals with the pressure that comes with driving for the Scuderia.

"It's been an emotional roller coaster," he relied. "What can I really say? Did I expect it to be as volatile in terms of the feeling? No, but that's life.

"I'd like to think that we're coming, even though we had a difficult Sunday, we're coming towards the brighter end of the tunnel. I read something recently where it was saying, 'there's no point stressing about tomorrow because it often puts shade on the present'. So I'm really trying not to worry about tomorrow. I'm really trying to be present and enjoy every moment because, you know, this half of the season has gone by really quick.

"There's obviously a long way to go. But I don't want to miss any of these special moments that we're having. Like my first Monza in Ferrari in red when I leave the garage tomorrow, it's going to be incredibly special coming onto this circuit.

"I just really reflect on when I was a kid watching Michael Schumacher winning here. And now I get to have that opportunity, that experience of being on the receiving end of the Tifosi. And I want to give them absolutely everything this weekend to get the best result for them because the passion and the support they've given me and this team is like nothing I've ever seen.

"I had the whole of last year to think about it and try to prepare," he continued, "but there are still things that you couldn't foresee. And there's been a lot of adjustment, both from my side and my team's side to Ferrari's side. And I think that really moved heaven and earth to accommodate me.

"Obviously, there's the culture differences," he added. "I think Fred made a comment, probably they perhaps underestimated me joining the team and obviously the year that we've been faced with in terms of the problems that we faced with the car.

"Honestly, I think the harder it is, the better it can make you. And I think this year has been tough for everyone within the team, but I think it really prepares us for better days. And I think we'll be stronger having gone through this tough first six months and I'm really, really excited and motivated for a positive uphill battle from here."