Leclerc and Hamilton to Sport Special Niki Lauda Helmets at Monza

Why it matters:

Ferrari is paying a special tribute to legendary driver Niki Lauda at their home Grand Prix in Monza. Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton will wear unique helmet designs to mark the 50th anniversary of Lauda's first Formula 1 World Championship title with the Scuderia in 1975.

The big picture:

The 2025 Italian Grand Prix at Monza is dedicated to this significant anniversary. Ferrari's SF-25 cars will feature a special livery, mimicking the iconic Ferrari 312T that Lauda drove to his championship victory half a century ago. This tribute follows a large fan event in Milan where the "marea rossa" (red tide) met the two drivers, with the special helmets now completing the commemoration.

The details:

• Hamilton's Helmet: Yellow with white accents, prominently featuring the "Niki Lauda" inscription.
• Leclerc's Helmet: Completely red, closely mirroring Lauda's original Ferrari-era design. It includes his race number 16 and the Italian tricolor on the rear. The distinctive "Charles Leclerc" on the side is in the same font as Lauda's name on his 1975 championship-winning Ferrari, aligning perfectly with the special SF-25 livery and bespoke race suits for Monza.

What's next:

Ferrari's recent performance has been below expectations, with both drivers retiring in Zandvoort. Lewis Hamilton, in particular, faces significant pressure ahead of what would be his first Monza race in red, having struggled in intra-team battles and crashing last week. Ferrari fans can find hope in Leclerc's victory at the "Temple of Speed" last season. The team will aim to channel the "Lauda energy" for a strong performance in 2025.