Ferrari driver embraces Tifosi passion ahead of Italian Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton is preparing for his first Italian Grand Prix in Ferrari red, and while a grid penalty may complicate his weekend, the seven-time World Champion insists it only fuels his determination to deliver at Monza.
Arriving in Italy, Hamilton was welcomed with the kind of passion only Ferrari fans – the Tifosi – can generate. A huge crowd turned up in Milan to celebrate their heroes, with Hamilton and Charles Leclerc at the center of it all. For the Briton, it was a vivid reminder of Ferrari’s unique place in Formula 1.
“From the moment I arrived at Maranello, I had to pinch myself,” Hamilton reflected. “There are fans outside the factory every day, something I’ve never experienced before in my career. To then stand in front of thousands of people in Milan, you can feel just how much Ferrari means to them. I’ve been trying to channel that energy.”
Building Confidence After Zandvoort
Hamilton comes into Monza on the back of a positive Dutch Grand Prix weekend, where Ferrari showed encouraging pace. Although still adapting to life in red, the veteran racer is relishing the learning curve.
“Every track still feels like a first with this car,” he explained. “The set-up approach is different to what I’m used to, but that makes it exciting. Ferrari have a strong record here – Charles won last year – so I’m eager to see what we can achieve.”
The Podium Question
Asked whether he imagines what it would feel like to stand on the Monza podium as a Ferrari driver, Hamilton gave a modest response.
“I’ve been on that podium before, so I know the view,” he smiled. “But I also know it’s not the same as doing it in red. Whatever I picture won’t come close to how it would feel to do it for Ferrari in front of the Tifosi.”
Fighting Back From a Setback
Hamilton will not have an easy path. A five-place grid penalty, handed down for a yellow flag infringement at Zandvoort, means he will start further back regardless of qualifying performance.
“It’s going to be tough,” he admitted. “Qualifying is already so tight, just making Q3 isn’t easy. Dropping five places makes it harder – but it gives me more to fight for. I’m motivated to make those places back.”
With Ferrari’s passionate fans behind him, Hamilton is set for a defining weekend at the Temple of Speed, one where adversity may yet spark something special.
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