Lewis Hamilton has been reflecting on the profound significance of possibly becoming the first Black driver to win a home race for Ferrari, a milestone that could be realized at this weekend's Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The seven-time world champion, who has enjoyed a markedly improved second season in the iconic red livery, secured his inaugural Grand Prix triumph for Ferrari in Barcelona back in June.
That win not only revitalised his campaign but also kept him firmly in the hunt for the championship, now sitting 59 points behind Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli with eleven races left on the calendar. Hamilton's confidence heading into Monza has received an extra boost thanks to Antonelli's grid penalty, which will see the young Mercedes driver start from the back of the pack after exceeding his allotted engine components. This development has shifted the competitive landscape and heightened the possibility that Hamilton could seize the top step of the podium.
When asked what a potential 107th career victory would mean to him, Hamilton paused before answering, "I’ve really thought about this weekend and the sheer magnitude of the idea that I’m coming to this Grand Prix. I didn’t even realise I was level with Michael Schumacher on five Monza wins until I looked it up. The thought of being the first in a new category – possibly the only Black driver ever to win for Ferrari in Italy – is something that has been running through my mind all week." He went on to describe how witnessing Charles Leclerc lift the trophy in 2019, while standing on the podium beside him, had left a lasting impression.
"Seeing a Ferrari win at Monza was special, but doing it myself would be phenomenal. It would be a historic moment for the sport and for representation, and I want to make sure I honour that opportunity," Hamilton said.
The pressure, he admits, is immense. "There’s a huge expectation from the factory, from the Tifosi who travel in massive numbers, and from the whole Ferrari family. They all want a win at their home race, and I feel a responsibility to deliver for them. My mum is also here this weekend – I don’t think she’s ever been to Monza, especially not on a Ferrari weekend – and I want her to experience the atmosphere and maybe bring a bit of lucky dust with her." On the technical side, Ferrari’s prospects have been further buoyed by the introduction of their second engine upgrade of the 2026 season.
The team announced on Wednesday that they have exercised the second of two permitted power‑unit enhancements, aiming to close the gap that has persisted against Mercedes, which also supplies McLaren. Hamilton explained the impact of the upgrade: "Every little bit helps. Up until now we’ve been losing time – even on a short circuit we were off by four‑tenths of a second per lap, which adds up to a huge deficit over a race distance.
That’s why this upgrade is so important." He also praised the work being done at the Maranello factory: "I’m proud when I walk into the factory and see how hard everyone is working. The atmosphere is focused and enthusiastic.
Compared to last year, we now have a clear north star – a defined goal that we’re all aiming for. The team has pulled together and delivered a step forward, even if it doesn’t erase the entire performance gap. Seeing incremental improvements each weekend is exciting, and I still firmly believe we have what it takes to win." Beyond the race itself, the weekend schedule is packed with support series action, providing fans with a full day of motorsport entertainment.
Friday’s program includes Formula 3 practice at 7:30 am, followed by Formula 2 practice at 8:55 am, and the first Italian Grand Prix practice session starting at 11:30 am. Later in the day, F3 qualifying takes place at 12:55 pm, with F2 qualifying at 1:50 pm, and the second F1 practice session at 2:35 pm.
The afternoon concludes with The F1 Show at 4:15 pm and the Team Bosses’ press conference at 5:20 pm. Saturday’s itinerary features an F3 sprint at 8:25 am, the third F1 practice session at 11:15 am, an F2 sprint at 1:10 pm, and the build‑up to the Italian Grand Prix qualifying at 2:15 pm.
The main qualifying session begins at 3:00 pm, followed by Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 5:00 pm. Sunday is the climax of the weekend.
The day opens with an F3 feature race at 7:10 am, an F2 feature race at 8:40 am, and a Porsche Supercup race at 10:40 am. After a brief build‑up at 12:30 pm, the Italian Grand Prix itself starts at 2:00 pm, with the chequered flag waving at 4:00 pm. Post‑race analysis and reactions are scheduled for 5:00 pm, culminating in Ted’s final Notebook of the weekend. All sessions, including the qualifying, will be broadcast live on Sky Sports F1, with additional streaming options available through NOW – a contract‑free service that can be cancelled at any time.
Fans worldwide can tune in to watch the historic battle unfold at one of Formula 1’s most revered circuits, hoping to witness Hamilton possibly write a new chapter in both Ferrari’s storied history and the broader narrative of diversity in motorsport.