Lewis Hamilton admits that arriving at Monza for the Italian Grand Prix this weekend feels totally different forward of his transfer to Ferrari in 2025.
The seven-time world champion introduced his transfer to the Italian workforce forward of the beginning of this yr, leaving Mercedes after 12 seasons. This weekend’s race at Monza is his closing grand prix in Italy earlier than changing into a Ferrari driver, and he says he has observed a unique reception to that of years previous.
“I’m not going to lie, it positively does really feel somewhat bit totally different,” Hamilton stated. “I imply, it at all times feels particular if you come right here. We’re coming right here at an honest time by way of, the climate’s unimaginable, clearly the large modifications that made to the monitor, however… there’s at all times such unimaginable ardour all through Italy, simply within the tradition usually, however notably about racing.
“And it’s at all times thrilling to see the followers that we’re going to see all through the weekend. The fervour right here and the joy that they actually carry to this race is de facto not matched in too many locations.
“I imply, I don’t know what to anticipate. If I’m trustworthy, over the previous couple of years, I’ve had a very heat welcome each time I’ve come. There was one time once we have been actually combating in opposition to Ferrari. I can’t bear in mind what yr that was, however even then, folks have been optimistic. There was by no means any negativity.
“I feel over the previous few years, I’ve heard ‘Viene in Ferrari’ [come to Ferrari]. I heard that quite a bit, so it’ll be attention-grabbing to see how that’s this yr. However already in Imola, for instance, I obtained a very heat reception. And there was this wonderful image of me, [Charles Leclerc], and Fred [Vasseur].”
The image in query was of the 2025 Ferrari line-up depicted as saints, and Hamilton stated he’s wanting ahead to connecting with the workforce’s iconic fanbase.
“Actually, I’m tremendous excited,” he stated. “Yearly, having coming right here and if you’re on the rostrum and seeing the tifosi all the way in which right down to Flip 1… And all through the world, to be trustworthy. I’m actually wanting ahead to connecting with that neighborhood and being on the journey with them as we work in direction of taking the workforce forwards.”
Hamilton’s seat appears to be like more likely to be taken by Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who will participate in FP1 on Friday, and the driving force he would substitute believes the 18-year-old could be the best choose for the workforce.
“I stated a very long time in the past that I feel that’s who the workforce ought to select shifting forwards,” Hamilton stated. “Time will inform what they find yourself deciding to do. He’s a type of younger, super-talented children that’s come by way of. I imply, he’s a younger grownup now. However he’s solely 18. So I feel it’d be good for folks to recollect he’s simply turning 18, and he’s obtained a vivid future forward of him.
“I’m actually excited to see and watch his progress. I noticed an image earlier on of us again in, I feel, 2018, and he was one of many grid children! And I’m shaking his hand on the entrance of the grid! So it clearly reminds you ways previous you might be when you have got these experiences. However yeah, wanting ahead to seeing his development and his journey by way of into System 1.”
