Lewis Hamilton has been reflecting on the significance of possibly becoming the first Black driver to win a home Grand Prix for Ferrari as the Italian Grand Prix approaches at Monza. The seven‑time world champion, who has enjoyed a markedly better second season in the scarlet colours, secured his inaugural Ferrari victory in Barcelona in June, a win that kept his championship hopes alive despite trailing Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli by 59 points with eleven races left in the calendar. Hamilton’s confidence for a Monza triumph has been further bolstered by Antonelli’s grid penalty, which will see the young Mercedes driver start from the back after exceeding his allotted engine parts. The prospect of adding a 107th career victory to his record has prompted Hamilton to contemplate the broader meaning of such an achievement.
He told reporters, "I’ve really thought about this weekend and the sheer magnitude of the concept 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 at the numbers." He continued, "The thought that there could be a ‘first’ ahead of me – that if I win, I would be stepping into new territory – is both exhilarating and humbling. Watching Charles Leclerc lift the trophy in 2019 while I stood on the podium with him was special, but doing it myself, in the colours of Ferrari, would be phenomenal." Hamilton also highlighted the historic dimension of a potential win, noting, "If I were to win, I might become the only Black driver ever to claim a Ferrari victory on Italian soil.
Those thoughts have been running through my mind all week." He acknowledged the weight of expectation from the passionate Tifosi crowd, the factory staff, and his own family. "The pressure is high. You want to deliver for the team, for the people who work day in, day out at Maranello, and for the fans who travel from all over the world to support us.
My mum is here this weekend – I don’t think she’s ever been to Monza, especially on a Ferrari weekend – and I want her to experience the atmosphere and maybe bring a bit of lucky dust with her," he said with a smile. The technical side of the weekend also offers a boost. Ferrari announced on Wednesday that they have installed the second of two engine upgrades permitted for the 2026 season. The team has struggled this year with a power unit that lags behind Mercedes, which also supplies McLaren.
Hamilton explained, "Every little bit helps. Up to now we have been losing about four tenths of a second per lap on short circuits, which adds up to a huge deficit over a race distance." He praised the work being done at the factory: "I’m really proud when I walk back to Maranello and see how hard everyone is working.
The atmosphere is focused, the enthusiasm is palpable, and there’s a clear north‑star this year that we didn’t have last season. We know exactly what we’re aiming for, and the progress we’re making each weekend is encouraging." Hamilton emphasized that while the new engine package does not erase the performance gap overnight, it represents a step forward.
"It’s not the whole solution, but it’s a move in the right direction. Seeing the car improve bit by bit each weekend is exciting, and I still strongly believe we have what it takes to win," he affirmed. The weekend schedule is packed with support races and events. On Friday, September 4, the day begins with an F3 practice session at 7:30 am, followed by F2 practice at 8:55 am, and the first Italian Grand Prix practice at 11:30 am.
Qualifying for F3 takes place at 12:55 pm, with F2 qualifying at 1:50 pm, and the second F1 practice at 3:00 pm. The afternoon continues with the F1 Show at 4:15 pm and the Team Bosses’ press conference at 5:20 pm. Saturday, September 5, features an F3 sprint at 8:25 am, the third F1 practice at 11:30 am, an F2 sprint at 1:10 pm, and the build‑up to the main qualifying session at 2:15 pm.
The Italian Grand Prix qualifying itself starts at 3:00 pm, followed by Ted’s Qualifying Notebook at 5:00 pm. Sunday, September 6, is the climax of the weekend.
The day opens with the F3 feature race at 7:10 am, the F2 feature race at 8:40 am, and the Porsche Supercup race at 10:40 am. After a build‑up to the Grand Prix at 12:30 pm, the main event – the Italian Grand Prix – kicks off at 2:00 pm. The race concludes with the chequered flag at 4:00 pm, followed by post‑race reaction and Ted’s Notebook at 5:00 pm. Select sessions will also be broadcast on Sky Sports Main Event.
For fans eager to watch the action, the Italian Grand Prix will be streamed live on Sky Sports F1, with the option to access Sky Sports through the NOW platform without a long‑term contract, allowing cancellation at any time. In summary, Hamilton’s contemplation of a possible historic win intertwines personal ambition, cultural significance, and the technical progress Ferrari is making.
With a revitalised engine, a focused team, and the passionate backing of the Tifosi, the stage is set for what could become a landmark moment in Formula 1 history, not only for Hamilton’s illustrious career but also for representation and diversity within the sport.