Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton have made Ferrari’s ambition for the 2026 Italian Grand Prix clear: they want to fight for victory at Monza. With the most eagerly anticipated weekend of the year about to begin, the Tifosi have already created a spectacular atmosphere in Milan, where the two Ferrari drivers appeared at the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Drive to Monza event.
The gathering offered an early taste of the sea of red expected at the Autodromo Nazionale Monza from Friday. Ferrari fever has already been building around the home Grand Prix, with Sunday at the 2026 Italian GP sold out amid enormous demand from supporters. Charles Leclerc knows exactly what it feels like to win in front of the Tifosi after his triumphs in 2019 and 2024, while Lewis Hamilton is dreaming of his first Monza victory as a Ferrari driver.
Charles Leclerc targets another Ferrari victory at Monza
Speaking in front of the Ferrari supporters in Milan, Charles Leclerc explained that the emotion generated by the Tifosi never becomes normal, even after so many years with the team.
“You never get used to all of this. It will be a little like having extra horsepower in the engine with the support of these fans,” Charles Leclerc said as the Milan crowd provided the first glimpse of the atmosphere that awaits Ferrari at Monza. “This week is unique for us. I really hope we can give you another victory on Sunday.”
The Monegasque driver is aiming to reproduce the extraordinary scenes of 2019 and 2024, when he stood on the top step of the podium at Ferrari’s home race. Despite expectations that Monza could prove difficult this year, Charles Leclerc pointed to other weekends during the 2026 season when Ferrari performed better than anticipated.
“It’s a strange year because we went to Spa and Silverstone expecting a difficult race, just as we think it could be here, and then we won one of them and had a good weekend at the other,” Charles Leclerc explained. “We believe in it and we will give everything to finish on the top two steps of the podium.”
For the latest interviews, results and developments surrounding the Monegasque driver, ScuderiaFans also provides dedicated Charles Leclerc Ferrari coverage throughout the 2026 Formula 1 season.
Ferrari to honour Michael Schumacher at 2026 Italian GP
The emotion surrounding Ferrari’s home weekend will extend beyond the current battle on track. The Maranello team will pay tribute to Michael Schumacher at Monza with a special livery and race suits, marking 30 years since the German legend claimed his first Italian Grand Prix victory for Ferrari in 1996.
Ferrari has already revealed its Michael Schumacher-inspired Monza livery, adding another symbolic element to a weekend that carries enormous significance for the team and its supporters.
Charles Leclerc reflected on the influence Michael Schumacher had on him long before he eventually became a Ferrari Formula 1 driver.
“Michael is a legend and represents something very special for everyone, as he does for me, because when I was four or five years old and started supporting Ferrari, Michael made me dream,” Charles Leclerc said. “That will never be equalled. I have certainly been with the team for many years and it is an honour and a responsibility to represent a team that I love so much.”
Charles Leclerc also acknowledged the scale of the legacy he is trying to build at Maranello, stressing that race appearances alone are not what ultimately matter most.
“I will do everything to achieve at least a small part of what Michael achieved, but he will always remain an icon and a legend. The number of races with Ferrari is important, but the number of victories is even more important, and that is something I still need to work on. But I will do everything…”
Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari can fight for Monza victory
Lewis Hamilton was equally struck by the reception in Milan. The seven-time Formula 1 world champion described the passion surrounding Ferrari as something that remains overwhelming regardless of how often a driver experiences it.
“Seeing all of you fans here is overwhelming and you never get used to it,” Lewis Hamilton said.
More significantly from a sporting perspective, the British driver believes Ferrari arrives at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix with a car capable of mounting a serious challenge. After victory in Barcelona earlier in the season, Lewis Hamilton made it clear that his focus has already shifted towards what can be achieved next.
“Monza is the fastest race of the season. Last year we didn’t have a car that could allow us to fight, but this year I think we do,” Lewis Hamilton said. “Winning in Barcelona was fantastic, but I look forward.”
The seven-time champion then explained the scale of the longer-term objective behind his move to Maranello and why returning Ferrari to the top remains central to his ambitions.
“We have a goal, which is to achieve something that nobody has ever managed to do, which is to work for three different teams, therefore moving to Ferrari to bring it back to the top,” Lewis Hamilton continued. “We are not there yet, so I always look forward. I hope that this weekend we can fight for victory.”
The prospect of competing for a Monza win would make the weekend particularly significant for the British driver, who is still chasing his first Italian Grand Prix victory in Ferrari colours. ScuderiaFans follows his season in detail through its dedicated Lewis Hamilton Ferrari news and updates.
Lewis Hamilton shares special Milan moment with his mother
There was also a personal moment during the Milan event when Lewis Hamilton paid tribute to his mother. The Ferrari driver invited her to appear on the balcony of Palazzo Reale, allowing the crowd gathered in the square to greet her with a warm ovation.
It added another emotional scene to an event designed to connect Ferrari’s drivers with the Tifosi before attention turns completely towards the track. The Milan appearance had already been planned as one of the major public events ahead of Monza, with Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton meeting supporters in the heart of the city before travelling to the Temple of Speed.
Ferrari promises maximum effort for the Tifosi at Monza
Lewis Hamilton concluded the appearance with a message directly to the supporters who follow Ferrari throughout the Formula 1 season, promising that the team would give everything during its home weekend.
“Thank you for the support you give us and Ferrari throughout the year,” Lewis Hamilton said. “We promise you that we will give everything to give you something to celebrate this weekend.”
The objective is therefore unmistakable as Ferrari prepares for Monza. Charles Leclerc is chasing a third Italian Grand Prix victory in red after the unforgettable successes of 2019 and 2024, while Lewis Hamilton wants to experience his first triumph at the Temple of Speed as a Ferrari driver. With the Michael Schumacher tribute adding further emotion to the weekend and the Tifosi already turning Milan red, both drivers are heading to the circuit believing that a fight for victory is possible.
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