Hamilton: Driving for Ferrari at Monza ‘all I ever thought it would be’

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Lewis Hamilton soaked up his first day driving a Ferrari in front of the Tifosi at Monza, describing the experience as “pretty incredible” and admitting it lived up to every expectation he had imagined – and then some.

The seven-time world champion kicked off his Italian Grand Prix weekend on a high note by topping the opening practice session before slipping to fourth in FP2 as the team experimented with setup changes.

Speaking after a whirlwind week that included a Ferrari parade through Milan, Hamilton reflected on what it meant to finally perform for Ferrari on home soil.

“It’s pretty incredible. Amazing. Amazing feeling leaving the garage,” he said.

“Just the whole experience while I am in blue but I joined the team to be in red. Being in the garage, the experience we had on Thursday with the Tifosi in Milan and then to come here and drive out the garage in the red car.”

The roar of the Tifosi, the blaze of scarlet, the thrill of speeding through the hallowed Temple of Speed only amplified Hamilton’s emotions.

“It’s all I ever thought it would be and more,” he said. “P1 was a good session and then P2, we made some changes to the car but it was a bit worse. The good thing is we can go back on it.”

Optimistic Despite Challenges

Hamilton has yet to stand on the podium in Ferrari colours, but his tone after Friday’s running remained buoyant.

“Well as I said, wherever I qualify I am starting five places back from that which is not great,” he admitted.

“I think it’s going to be really difficult to overtake. We’re all so close in the top 15 I think it is. I do feel optimistic, and I still feel like I can potentially move forwards.

©Ferrari

“I was much happier with the car today, I hope that continues tomorrow. It will continue tomorrow as I will make the changes tonight and come with a fresh head tomorrow.”

With the Tifosi firmly behind him and Ferrari looking sharp, Hamilton may yet turn his Monza debut in red into the breakthrough weekend he’s been chasing.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.