Hamilton: Driving for Ferrari at Monza Was 'All I Ever Thought It Would Be'

Lewis Hamilton described his first day driving a Ferrari in front of the Tifosi at Monza as "pretty incredible," admitting the experience lived up to every expectation and more. The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari next season.

Why it matters:

This marks a significant moment as Hamilton prepares for his highly anticipated move to the Scuderia in 2025. His initial impressions driving the iconic red car at Ferrari's home track offer a glimpse into his future with the team.

The details:

• Monza debut: Hamilton topped the opening practice session before dropping to fourth in FP2 as the team experimented with setup changes.
• Emotional experience: He recounted the "amazing feeling leaving the garage" and the "whole experience" including a Ferrari parade in Milan, despite currently racing in Mercedes' blue.
• Exceeding expectations: "It’s all I ever thought it would be and more," Hamilton stated, highlighting the unique thrill of the Tifosi's roar and the scarlet car.
• Practice performance: While FP1 was strong, FP2 saw the car perform "a bit worse" after changes, but Hamilton expressed confidence in reverting to a better setup for Saturday.

Looking ahead:

Despite facing a five-place grid penalty for the race, Hamilton remains optimistic about his chances to move forward. "I do feel optimistic, and I still feel like I can potentially move forwards," he said. He was much happier with the car's balance today and plans to refine the setup overnight.

With the Tifosi's fervent support, Hamilton aims to transform his Monza debut in red into a breakthrough weekend for his current team, before his future with Ferrari.