Lewis Hamilton explains why Charles Leclerc has the best chance to win at Monza with Ferrari | 2025 F1 Italian GP. Lewis Hamilton prepares for his first Italian GP at Monza as a Ferrari driver.

Lewis Hamilton excited for his Ferrari debut at Monza

It will be a very special weekend for Lewis Hamilton, who is ready to race at Monza for the first time as a Ferrari driver. Speaking during media day for the Italian Grand Prix, the seven-time world champion shared his emotions about finally driving in front of the passionate Tifosi while wearing the red suit of Scuderia Ferrari. However, the British driver will have to face a five-place grid penalty, a setback that makes his task much more difficult.

When asked about the possibility of taking victory at Monza – which would allow him to surpass Michael Schumacher’s record at the Temple of Speed – Lewis Hamilton smiled but remained realistic: “It would be amazing, but obviously I have a five-place penalty and that changes everything.”

Lewis Hamilton’s thoughts on Charles Leclerc ahead of Monza

The British driver also spoke openly about how he felt returning home after the previous weekend, in what was already a tough moment for him. “I got back home on Sunday evening and then received the news about the penalty. It was really difficult to accept, because it had already been a heavy day,” he admitted. “Thinking about my first Monza as a Ferrari driver, leaving the garage for the first time in red, is something I’ve imagined for a long time.”

Lewis Hamilton reflected on Ferrari’s history at Monza and the unforgettable moments created by his predecessors: “Over the years I’ve seen so many drivers standing on the podium in these colors, from Charles to Sebastian, and even Kimi. It has always been a special moment.” – the seven-time Formula 1 world champion pointed out.

Despite the excitement of making his Ferrari debut in front of the home crowd, Lewis Hamilton admitted that the penalty will make it extremely difficult to aim for victory: “When you go into the weekend already with a handicap, you immediately start one step behind,” he explained. For this reason, he acknowledged that Charles Leclerc will likely be Ferrari’s best hope at Monza: “I think Charles has more chances to do well, since he doesn’t have a grid penalty.”