Stay informed on all the biggest stories in Formula 1.Sign up here to receive the Prime Tire newsletter in your inbox every Monday and Friday.
Welcome to Monza, Italy — a place where the spirit of Formula 1 comes alive like no other. As a five-time champion of the Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton understands the thrill of standing on the iconic Monza podium amid a sea of devoted fans.
Hovering above the pit wall, the Monza podium offers a panoramic view of thousands of enthusiasts flooding the main straight, creating an electrifying atmosphere post-race. The emotions run high, regardless of the team you represent. However, achieving this feat as a Ferrari driver at the home of the passionate tifosi fanbase elevates the experience to a whole new level.
The Italian national anthem echoes through Monza, stirring the crowd to its peak when Ferrari clinches victory. While the team has a rich history with 20 wins at the track, their triumphs have become scarce in recent times.
Even when competing for rival teams like McLaren and Mercedes, Hamilton always felt embraced by the Monza crowd. Reflecting on his past experiences, he mentioned, “There was never any negativity, even during intense battles with Ferrari.”
However, this year marks a unique Italian Grand Prix for Hamilton as he returns to Monza after announcing his future move to Ferrari in 2025. It presents an opportunity for him to establish a deeper connection with the already buzzing tifosi anticipating the arrival of an F1 legend.
GO DEEPER
Signing Hamilton is just the start of Ferrari’s push to return to F1 glory
Hamilton acknowledged the unique atmosphere at Monza, stating, “The passion and excitement that the fans bring to this race is truly unmatched. The tifosi create an unparalleled energy that resonates throughout the event.”
The connection between Italy and F1 runs deep, with the tifosi forming an integral part of Ferrari’s rich heritage. The iconic Ferrari red adorns grandstands worldwide, but its presence at Monza holds a special significance, where one team reigns supreme.
Hamilton has experienced the Monza podium before, but never wearing the Ferrari red. (Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
