Lewis Hamilton set for first Italian Grand Prix with Ferrari as Charles Leclerc’s Monza message comes to life
Lewis Hamilton has claimed the F1 Italian Grand Prix title five times, equalling a joint-record, but the 2025 season marks his first opportunity to race at Monza as a Ferrari driver. Only Michael Schumacher has matched Hamilton’s tally at the historic circuit, with the German securing victories in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2006, all behind the wheel of a Ferrari.
Hamilton’s wins at Monza came in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2017, and 2018 while driving for Mercedes, and the move to Maranello this year has coincided with one of the most challenging seasons of his 40-year-old career. Heading into Monza, Hamilton has yet to claim a podium across the first 14 rounds of the 2025 championship—a situation unprecedented in his career past the tenth race. His current points total of 109 represents the lowest of his career under the modern scoring system.
Charles Leclerc’s Monza insight proves special for Hamilton
Hamilton’s teammate, Charles Leclerc, has long enjoyed the fervent support of the Tifosi after winning the Italian GP with Ferrari in 2019 and 2024. Leclerc’s one-stop strategy last year, which saw him reclaim the lead from Oscar Piastri, highlighted his tactical mastery on Monza’s high-speed layout. Understanding the weight of Ferrari’s heritage, the Monegasque advised his Maranello teammate that racing for the Scuderia is unique, but racing at Monza takes that experience to another level.
The message was reinforced during Ferrari’s Drive to Monza event in Milan ahead of the 2025 Italian GP. Leclerc told Sky Italia that the occasion truly captures the passion of Ferrari fans and confirms the distinct atmosphere at Monza: “The heart of passion. When we held the media day, I told Lewis, ‘Being a Ferrari driver is unique, but being one at Monza is even more special.’ This event proves it.”
Fred Vasseur prepares Hamilton for a Ferrari Monza debut
Ferrari transformed Piazza Duomo into a sea of red on Wednesday, welcoming fans to celebrate the upcoming Italian GP, with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc in attendance. While Ferrari are still chasing their first victory of the season, team principal Fred Vasseur emphasized to Hamilton the unique nature of his debut Monza race in red.
Speaking to the Italian media, Fred Vasseur explained: “I spoke to Lewis this morning to help him understand what it’s like to race in Italy. But until you experience it firsthand, you can’t fully grasp it. Racing at Monza 25 times doesn’t compare to the first time you do it in Ferrari colors—it’s something completely different and unforgettable.”
Hamilton seeks first Monza podium with Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s last podium at Monza came in 2019 when he finished third behind Charles Leclerc, who claimed victory in his first season with Ferrari, and Valtteri Bottas, who narrowly edged the Briton by just 0.835 seconds. Now, with the passionate support of the Tifosi and the tactical guidance from his team, Hamilton aims to transform his 2025 Monza outing into a career-defining moment in red.
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