If Lewis Hamilton could choose a single venue to claim victory as a Ferrari driver next season, Silverstone would likely top his list. The British Grand Prix is a circuit where he has triumphed a record nine times, but winning in Ferrari red would hold an unmatched significance for the seven-time champion.
A close second, however, would undoubtedly be Monza. For any Ferrari driver, the Italian Grand Prix is a sacred milestone. Last year, Charles Leclerc earned his second career victory at the iconic circuit, five years after his first. The electrifying celebrations with the Tifosi, Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, create an atmosphere that is simply unparalleled in motorsport.
Lewis Hamilton, however, hasn’t tasted victory at Monza since 2018, a surprising dry spell given his dominant track record. It took him until 2012 to secure his first Italian Grand Prix win, and his relationship with the event remains complicated.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, scheduled for mid-May, will also draw the Tifosi in droves. Though a beloved event for Ferrari fans, its future appears uncertain, with Imola expected to fall off the F1 calendar after the 2025 season.
Lewis Hamilton’s Strained History with Monza’s Podium Celebrations
Back in 2019, Hamilton was cruising toward his sixth world title, entering the Italian Grand Prix with a commanding 65-point lead over teammate Valtteri Bottas. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s rising star, wasn’t a contender in the championship fight but managed to deliver back-to-back victories at Spa-Francorchamps and Monza, thrilling the home crowd.
Finishing third at Monza that year, the British driver faced an enthusiastic Ferrari celebration as the team savored its first home win since 2010. When asked if he enjoyed the podium scenes, Lewis Hamilton’s response underscored his uneasy relationship with the Tifosi. He remarked that their treatment of him was harsher than for any other driver, reinforcing a long-standing tension between the British champion and Ferrari’s loyal supporters.
In an interview with Viaplay in the media pen, Lewis Hamilton explained that his dislike for the Monza podium had nothing to do with losing. He described it as the worst podium experience for him personally, citing the overwhelming boos he received from the crowd, which he believed were the loudest any driver in history had ever endured. This, he said, made the occasion far from enjoyable.
Hamilton’s victories at Monza in 2017 and 2018 were met with a less-than-warm reception from the Tifosi, mirroring the boos Sebastian Vettel endured in 2013 during his dominance with Red Bull. This hostility was not unique to Hamilton but rather a reflection of Ferrari fans’ passionate allegiance to their team and rivals who stood in their way.
Why Lewis Hamilton’s First Ferrari Test Could Be a Security Challenge
Hamilton’s long-standing dream of driving for Ferrari, a goal he has held for two decades, finally became reality in a move that surprised many in the Formula 1 world. Now, those same fans who once jeered him at Monza are likely to become his most enthusiastic supporters, eager to cheer him on as he dons Ferrari red.
While the boos he faced at Monza were unlikely personal—Vettel experienced similar treatment—it’s worth noting that Hamilton began his F1 career locked in fierce championship battles against Ferrari’s Kimi Raikkonen and Felipe Massa. These early rivalries left a mark and contributed to the tension between Hamilton and the Ferrari faithful. Yet, despite the history, one journalist suggests that “Hamilton mania” has already taken hold in Italy.
This fervor is expected to culminate in a chaotic scene when Hamilton takes to the Fiorano track for his first Ferrari test in the coming weeks. Reports indicate that streets near the circuit are likely to be packed with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the seven-time world champion’s debut in Ferrari colors, which could pose logistical challenges for the local police. The event marks the beginning of what could be a transformative chapter in Ferrari’s storied history.
Leave a Reply