Hamilton reflects on Monza ahead of Ferrari move: ‘it feels different this time’
MONZA, Italy – Lewis Hamilton has acknowledged that his arrival at the Italian Grand Prix feels markedly different this year, as he prepares for a move to Ferrari in 2025.
Ferrari, the most successful team in Formula 1 history, and Monza, which has been the Italian GP venue in every world championship year except 1980, share a deep bond.
Earlier this year, Hamilton signed a contract to replace Carlos Sainz at Ferrari starting next season.
"I'm not going to lie, it definitely does feel a little bit different. It always feels special when you come here," Hamilton noted during Thursday's press conference.
"We're coming here at a decent time in terms of, the weather's incredible today, obviously the huge changes they've made to the track. There's always such incredible passion throughout Italy just in the culture in general, but particularly about racing.
"It's always exciting just to see the fans that we're going to see throughout the weekend; the passion and excitement that they really bring to this race is really not particularly matched in too many places."
While Hamilton has opted to focus on his final year with Mercedes, his upcoming move to Ferrari has been a major talking point during this visit to Monza.
The seven-time world champion shared that he has consistently experienced a warm welcome from Italy's renowned tifosi fanbase.
"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 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."
Hamilton, who confessed that his Italian still leaves something to be desired, turned to future teammate Charles Leclerc, who was seated next to him, and asked: "I think over the past few years, I've heard, is it vine Ferrari? How do you say come to Ferrari?"
Leclerc laughed and corrected him: "Vieni Ferrari."
To that, Hamilton responded enthusiastically: "Vieni Ferrari! So I heard that quite a lot. It will be interesting to see how that is this year. But already at Imola for example, I got a really warm reception. There was this amazing picture of me, you and Fred, did you see it?"
Hamilton was referencing a picture depicting himself, Leclerc, and Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur as angelic saints, highlighting the significant anticipation and excitement around his transition to one of motorsport's most iconic teams.
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