Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Challenging Ferrari Transition Ahead of Monza Debut
Lewis Hamilton has described his move to Ferrari as an "emotional rollercoaster" as he prepares to race for the team at their home Grand Prix in Monza for the first time.
Hamilton, who admitted he did not anticipate his first season would be so "volatile," has faced difficulties adapting to an uncompetitive car after 12 years of success with Mercedes.
His transition has been tough, and he enters the Italian Grand Prix following an unusual mistake at the Dutch GP, where he crashed early. His struggles continued with a five-place grid penalty after failing to slow sufficiently under a yellow flag before the race in Zandvoort.
“It’s been an emotional rollercoaster,” he said on Thursday. “Did I expect it to feel this unpredictable? No, but that’s life.”
The 40-year-old has not secured a podium finish in 17 races, the longest drought of his career, and currently sits sixth in the championship. With McLaren leading comfortably and teams shifting focus to their 2026 cars, victory seems unlikely.
Still, Hamilton remains determined to enjoy his debut in Monza wearing Ferrari red, racing in front of the passionate tifosi.
“Despite a difficult Sunday, I believe we’re nearing the brighter end of the tunnel,” he said. “I read something recently about not letting stress overshadow the present. So I’m trying to focus on enjoying each moment because this season’s second half is flying by.”
“I don’t want to miss these special experiences—my first Monza in red, stepping onto this legendary track. I’ll give everything this weekend for the *tifosi* because their support has been incredible.”
At McLaren, Lando Norris saw his championship hopes suffer after an oil leak ended his race in Zandvoort while he was in second place. Trailing teammate Oscar Piastri by 34 points, he remained determined.
“I can only focus on the upcoming races and push harder than ever,” he said. “If I lose the championship by those points, I’ll keep my head up and try again next year.”
Norris confirmed a minor part failure caused the leak, adding, “It’s a small component, probably not an expensive one.”
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