A new chapter begins in red
Lewis Hamilton’s first Italian Grand Prix in Ferrari colors was never going to pass quietly. The seven-time world champion arrived at Monza with high expectations on his shoulders and the roar of the Tifosi echoing through every grandstand. What he delivered was a gritty, attacking drive that reminded fans exactly why Ferrari pursued him so passionately.
Starting tenth after a grid penalty undid his strong qualifying, Hamilton surged forward to claim sixth place at the chequered flag. For the Briton, the result was more than just points – it was a taste of what could come in this new chapter of his career.
Fighting spirit from the outset
Hamilton had set the tone early in the weekend by topping the first practice session. He later secured fifth in qualifying, only to be bumped down the order for a yellow-flag infringement carried over from Zandvoort. That setback hardly dulled his edge. At lights out, Hamilton launched off the line with trademark aggression, immediately climbing through the midfield and dispatching old rival Fernando Alonso before locking into a duel with Gabriel Bortoleto.
Despite chasing George Russell’s Mercedes late in the race, Hamilton ultimately held sixth. He admitted the traffic and tyre wear made progress tricky, but he took satisfaction in the overtakes that got him there.
“There was definitely some good overtaking,” he reflected. “It was tough coming from where I was, but overall I think we got everything possible from today. Maybe we could have nicked fifth with a perfect strategy, but I’m happy with the performance.”
Backed by Ferrari passion
What stood out most to Hamilton wasn’t just the racing – it was the atmosphere. The Monza crowd, famously loyal to Ferrari, gave him a reception that few drivers outside Maranello’s walls ever experience. After years of being the rival in Mercedes silver, Hamilton was finally embraced in red.
“It’s everything you could ever hope for,” he said. “You want to be at the front, but to feel this energy around the track is something special. It’s Ferrari everywhere you look. The pit straight – it’s just red, as far as the eye can see.”
Looking ahead
Sixth place may not sound like a headline-grabbing achievement for a driver of Hamilton’s calibre, but in context it was a crucial step. It marked his best finish since Silverstone and underlined Ferrari’s ability to bounce back after the disappointment of Zandvoort.
More importantly, it signalled Hamilton’s intent. He is not at Ferrari for a farewell tour; he is here to chase glory, and the Monza weekend offered a glimpse of that hunger.
“It’s a dream to drive for this team,” Hamilton added. “My goal is to stand on the top step here one day. That’s the dream I’m working for.”
For now, Hamilton leaves Monza not with a trophy, but with the unmistakable sense of belonging. And with the Tifosi behind him, that dream might not be far away.
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