F1 | Ferrari’s Monza pole trick: will Lewis Hamilton slipstream Charles Leclerc to the front?

F1 | Ferrari’s Monza pole trick: will Lewis Hamilton slipstream Charles Leclerc to the front?. Ferrari considers using Lewis Hamilton’s slipstream to give Charles Leclerc a chance at pole position.

Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-25, 2025 F1

F1 | Ferrari considers using Lewis Hamilton’s slipstream to give Charles Leclerc a chance at pole position

All eyes are on qualifying for the F1 Italian Grand Prix at Monza: will Ferrari and Charles Leclerc rely on Lewis Hamilton’s slipstream? Starting at the front, regardless of track layout, often proves a key advantage. Even on circuits where overtaking is possible, the effect of DRS trains can be catastrophic for victory chances. In this scenario, the seven-time world champion’s grid penalty could actually become a benefit.

At Monza, the atmosphere is one of all-or-nothing. Ferrari needs its first win of the season—months after Lewis Hamilton’s Sprint Race victory in Shanghai—to silence critics and detractors. McLaren enters as the favorite, but the layout of the Brianzolo track plays to the SF-25’s strengths. Beating Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris remains a challenge, but in Italy, it is far from impossible.

It’s hard to imagine the large gaps seen at Zandvoort. Especially on Saturday, differences could be measured in mere hundredths or thousandths of a second. Slipstreaming will play a fundamental role, as recent history has shown. Finding the right tow can mean the difference between a modest second row start and a spectacular pole position. For this reason, Maranello might consider teamwork between drivers.

Hamilton and Leclerc: The Strategy for Pole at Monza

The seven-time world champion opened the door to the idea of towing his teammate during the press conference. With a five-place grid penalty to serve, pole position is not the primary goal for the British driver. Conversely, Charles Leclerc could be the Scuderia’s winning weapon, at least on Saturday.

Speaking to journalists in Monza, including ScuderiaFans.com reporters, the Monegasque urged caution: “We haven’t addressed this topic yet, because Monza’s program is unique and we will discuss it in the upcoming meetings. If it becomes relevant, we will talk about it. In the meantime, I hope we can really believe in the possibility of fighting for pole, even if it seems difficult.” – the Ferrari man concluded ahead of the Italian Grand Prix weekend.