Hamilton seeks to become first black driver to win for Ferrari in Italy

Lewis Hamilton has won the Italian Grand Prix five times, but never in Ferrari colors. At Monza this weekend, he is considering what it would mean to claim his first victory for the team at its home race and potentially become the first Black Formula 1 driver to do so.

Hamilton said the possibility had occupied his thoughts ahead of the race. He recalled watching Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc win at Monza in 2019 while Hamilton stood on the podium, and said winning there himself would be “phenomenal.” He also reflected on the possibility of moving into new territory in Ferrari’s history.

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Winning in Monza for the first time with Ferrari is something I’ve witnessed Charles win in 2019, when I was on the podium with him. But to do it while I’m here would be phenomenal.

His first Ferrari Grand Prix win came in Barcelona in June, strengthening his hopes of challenging for the championship during his second season with the Italian team. He currently sits 59 points behind Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli, with 11 rounds still remaining. Antonelli’s prospects at Monza have been complicated by a grid penalty for exceeding his permitted allocation of engine parts.

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The pressure is high. You also want to deliver for the team.

Hamilton also acknowledged the pressure of racing Ferrari in front of the Tifosi, the team’s passionate supporters. “The pressure is high. You also want to deliver for the team,” he said, adding that the thousands of fans and factory workers attending would make the occasion especially demanding.

His mother will also be at Monza. Hamilton said she had not previously attended the circuit and that he wanted her to experience a Ferrari race weekend and bring “any of the lucky dust she can bring.”

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My mum’s here this weekend because I don’t think she’s been to Monza, but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend. I wanted her to experience that and bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.