Lewis Hamilton believes Ferrari can fight for victory at Monza in the 2026 Italian Grand Prix, with the seven-time Formula 1 world champion expressing renewed confidence in the Scuderia as he prepares for his second home race in red. Alongside Charles Leclerc, the British driver received a huge welcome from thousands of Ferrari supporters in Milan before attention turns to the Temple of Speed.
Lewis Hamilton experienced another taste of the unique atmosphere surrounding Ferrari’s home Grand Prix during the Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% Drive to Monza event held in Piazza del Duomo in Milan. For the second time in his career, he is preparing to race at Monza as a Ferrari driver, and the affection from the Tifosi was already on full display before the Grand Prix weekend had even begun.
Lewis Hamilton confident Ferrari can fight at Monza
During a sweltering afternoon in Milan, Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc were greeted by thousands of Ferrari supporters who gathered in the city centre to see the two drivers. The scenes provided another demonstration of the enormous enthusiasm surrounding the Scuderia’s home event, with Sunday at the 2026 Italian Grand Prix already sold out amid huge Ferrari demand.
Despite the power unit difficulties Ferrari has encountered during the 2026 season, Lewis Hamilton believes the team can challenge for victory on Sunday.
“The affection from the fans is overwhelming, I love them. It’s my second year, it’s incredibly hot, but seeing them all is wonderful,” the British driver said.
The meeting with the Tifosi was also part of a wider build-up to the Italian Grand Prix for both Ferrari drivers, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc embracing the support of the Ferrari fans in Milan before travelling to Monza.
Lewis Hamilton sees a major improvement compared with last year
Lewis Hamilton made clear that his optimism is based on the difference he feels between Ferrari’s current position and the situation heading into the same race last season.
“Monza is always emotional. It’s the fastest race in the championship. Last year we didn’t have a car that allowed us to fight, this year I think we do. We’ll give it everything,” Lewis Hamilton added.
The seven-time world champion also reflected on his Barcelona victory but stressed that his focus remains firmly on what Ferrari can achieve next rather than on previous successes.
“The Barcelona victory? Fantastic, but I always look ahead. My goal is to do something nobody has ever managed: go through three teams and work with Ferrari to bring it back to the top. We’re not there yet, so we have to look ahead,” he explained.
Ferrari brings second ADUO update for the Italian Grand Prix
For Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to turn their Monza ambitions into a genuine challenge for victory, Ferrari needed additional power for the Temple of Speed. That extra performance is set to arrive through the second ADUO token of the season, officially confirmed by team principal Frédéric Vasseur.
The update is intended to improve the top-speed performance of Ferrari’s power unit, an especially important area at Monza. The latest development forms part of Ferrari’s push for more power ahead of its home Grand Prix, giving Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc another reason to approach the weekend with confidence.
The expectation surrounding Ferrari is therefore clear. Lewis Hamilton believes the Scuderia now has a car capable of fighting in a way it could not at Monza last year, while the latest power unit step is designed to strengthen its chances on one of the most demanding high-speed circuits of the season. With the Tifosi already turning out in huge numbers, Ferrari will now try to convert that optimism into performance on track.
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