Lewis Hamilton arrives at the Italian Grand Prix with a clear goal, to achieve his first victory in Monza as a Ferrari driver. The Briton acknowledges that the magnitude of the challenge increases the pressure on him this coming weekend.
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Hamilton has already won five times at the Italian circuit, a number that places him alongside Michael Schumacher as the greatest winner in Formula 1 at this track. However, his last triumph in Monza was eight years ago, while Ferrari has won twice since then, both with Charles Leclerc, in 2019 and 2024.
The Italian team arrives for the stage with an updated power unit and hopes to enter the fight for the top positions. Hamilton showed confidence in the team’s potential but emphasized that a victory depends on perfect execution in all areas: “I firmly believe the team has what it takes to win at this level, given the closeness at the front,” he said.
The British driver also highlighted the personal significance of winning in Monza for Ferrari. Hamilton recalled that he was on the podium when Leclerc won in 2019 and admitted that several thoughts went through his mind upon realizing the possibility of entering a new chapter of his journey at the circuit.
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“Winning in Monza for the first time with Ferrari would be something phenomenal. If I managed to do that, I would probably be the only black driver to achieve this feat for Ferrari in Italy, probably in history,” he added.
The pressure also comes from the environment around the race. The seven-time world champion highlighted the presence of factory workers, the huge mobilization of the Tifosi, and the importance of delivering a result for the fans, as well as revealing that his mother will be at the circuit: “The pressure is high, you want to deliver for the team,” Hamilton concluded.
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