Italian Grand Prix - Hamilton: “Experiencing Monza with Ferrari is something amazing”

Lewis Hamilton is about to experience the Italian Grand Prix for the second time as a Scuderia Ferrari HP driver. It’s been a year since his first Monza weekend in red and the experience continues to be especially significant for him. “It’s the best feeling. It’s an honour and a privilege to come to Italy, to such an iconic race, as a Ferrari driver. This is the second year I’ve experienced this special moment, and I don’t think it’s something you could ever get used to.”

Schumacher. This weekend will have an even greater significance because of the celebrations dedicated to Michael Schumacher. Lewis recalledSundays as a teenager spent in front of the television watching Michael at the wheel of a Ferrari, as well as the video games in which he would choose to play as the German driver, imagining what it would be like to one day be in that position. “I always remember Michael in the red car. I thought about what it would be like to be in his shoes, and today I have the privilege of experiencing that. He was a great leader and did an incredible job throughout his career. I also had the privilege of racing alongside him in Formula 1, and that meant a lot to me.”

Progress. On the racing front, Hamilton is encouraged by the team’s progress. At Monza, the SF-26 will feature an upgraded power unit, a step that Lewis sees as positive, while stressing that there is still work to be done. “Every little improvement helps,” he said. “When I go back to the factory, I see how hard everyone is working and how much enthusiasm they have. The team has done a huge amount of work, everyone pulling together continuing to bring developments to the car.”

Execution. Hamilton stressed that, in such a closely fought Formula 1 championship, winning at Monza will require every single element of the weekend to come together. “I believe this team has what it takes to win. But with the margins so close at the front, everything has to go according to plan from the very first lap of free practice.”