Yahoo Autos Hamilton soaking up tifosi vibes at Monza ahead of Ferrari move
Lewis Hamilton admits that arriving at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend feels different ahead of his move to Ferrari in 2025.
The seven-time world champion announced his move to the Italian team ahead of the start of this year, leaving Mercedes after 12 seasons. This weekend’s race at Monza is his final grand prix in Italy before becoming a Ferrari driver, and he says he has noticed a different reception to that of years past.
“I’m not going to lie, it definitely does feel a little bit different,” Hamilton said. “I mean, it always feels special when you come here. We’re coming here at a decent time in terms of, the weather’s incredible, obviously the huge changes that made to the track, but… there’s always such incredible passion throughout Italy, just in the culture in general, but particularly about racing.
“And it’s always exciting to see the fans that we’re going to see throughout the weekend. The passion here and the excitement that they really bring to this race is really not matched in too many places.
“I mean, I don’t know what to expect. If I’m honest, over the last few years, I’ve had a really warm welcome every time I’ve come. There was one time when we were really fighting against Ferrari. I can’t remember what year that was, but even then, people were positive. There was never any negativity.
“I think over the past few years, I’ve heard ‘Viene in Ferrari’ [come to Ferrari]. I heard that quite a lot, so it’ll be interesting to see how that is this year. But already in Imola, for example, I got a really warm reception. And there was this amazing picture of me, [Charles Leclerc], and Fred [Vasseur].”
The picture in question was of the 2025 Ferrari line-up depicted as saints, and Hamilton said he’s looking forward to connecting with the team’s iconic fanbase.
“Honestly, I’m super excited,” he said. “Every year, having coming here and when you’re on the podium and seeing the tifosi all the way down to Turn 1… And throughout the world, to be honest. I’m really looking forward to connecting with that community and being on the journey with them as we work towards taking the team forwards.”
Hamilton’s seat looks likely to be taken by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will take part in FP1 on Friday, and the driver he would replace believes the 18-year-old would be the right pick for the team.
“I said a long time ago that I think that’s who the team should choose moving forwards,” Hamilton said. “Time will tell what they end up deciding to do. He’s one of those young, super-talented kids that’s come through. I mean, he’s a young adult now. But he’s only 18. So I think it’d be good for people to remember he is just turning 18, and he’s got a bright future ahead of him.
“I’m really excited to see and watch his progress. I saw a picture earlier on of us back in, I think, 2018, and he was one of the grid kids! And I’m shaking his hand at the front of the grid! So it obviously reminds you how old you are when you have those experiences. But yeah, looking forward to seeing his growth and his journey through into Formula 1.”
