The new power unit will "help" Ferrari's performance in Monza. Lewis Hamilton is convinced of this, answering journalists' questions in the press conference: "I am proud of the work I have seen done in the factory. There is a different concentration compared to last year, it is a new beginning. This year we have a clear ambition but we have not yet closed the gap. We are pushing to try to close the gap with Mercedes and I am convinced that we will be able to fight until the end."
Hamilton, like his teammate Leclerc, will wear a uniform dedicated to Micheal Schumacher, thirty years after his first victory at Monza in a Ferrari: "I haven't seen the livery yet but those seven stars that we will have are like mine and they give me a good feeling - explains the Englishman, recalling the seven world championships won by both -. I remember the Sundays with the F1 starts, the theme song that started the event, it was wonderful to see Michael driving a Red. And in video games I only chose him. Being able to race against him was fantastic."
Hamilton then said he believes that World Championship leader Kimi Antonelli has all the ingredients to drive a Ferrari in the future for an all-Italian team. "It's a possibility, but there are many good riders who could have a chance here in the future and I don't think Wolff will let him go anytime soon. Antonelli deserves what he's doing and has a great team at his side, he's fast and consistent, very mature for his age. Bono, who is at his side, is a stubborn, capable person who knows how to show him the way."
Hamilton, answering journalists' questions in the press conference before the Monza Grand Prix, does not believe in a cheering derby: "I think that in Italy the cheering is above all for the Red: Pope, Ferrari, pasta and pizza. I don't think Kimi will have any difficulty in reaching the top 5-6 positions straight away, but we have to concentrate on our race and the push of the fans."
Hamilton arrives in Monza in a newly restored Ferrari F40
Lewis Hamilton arrived at the Monza circuit in the Ferrari F40, "the car of his dreams" by his own admission. A car, just purchased by the seven-time world champion, with a unique history: it had been locked in a garage for 35 years, was identified by the Azimut AHE fund and then restored with the approval of Maranello experts.
As a license plate to take a short tour of the streets in Monza Park, a 44 plate, his number on the grid. Hamilton also impressed in his look: under a hot sun, the Englishman showed up in an elegant brown double-breasted suit. A special bond between Hamilton and the F40. It was precisely that model, lent by a collector, that the British champion had wanted for his first official photo in Maranello in January 2025, in front of Enzo Ferrari's office.
"The F40 with which I arrived at the circuit is fabulous, 100% the car of my dreams. I had been looking for it for a long time and I wanted one with a history, already with some kilometres. I wanted one that was as authentic as possible. I came across this car, driven for 69 km and then left in a garage. It still had dust", he said, explaining the emotion of arriving at the Monza racetrack with the F40 he had just bought and restored.
"I don't think any Ferrari driver has ever arrived at Monza with such an iconic car. When I took it to check it, it was perfect and the engine even had the number 44: I didn't want to believe it, it was just destiny. Arriving here with the F40 is a real opportunity to pay homage to the history of Ferrari in its home race."
