Vasseur: Tifosi’s passion gave Hamilton an ‘extra boost’ at Monza

Ferrari may not have secured a home podium at Monza, but team boss Fred Vasseur believes the sheer passion of the Tifosi played a major role in lifting Lewis Hamilton’s spirits throughout his first Italian Grand Prix weekend as a Ferrari driver.

Hamilton arrived at Monza with anticipation after a season of ups and downs, but it was the fans who made the weekend unforgettable.

Their enthusiasm for the seven-time world champion was palpable even before the cars hit the track. Ferrari had organized several special events in Milan earlier in the week, where fans turned out in droves to celebrate their new driver.

Vasseur noted the profound impact this had on Hamilton, who was visibly energized throughout the Scuderia’s home race weekend.

“I think the energy that he received from the Tifosi Wednesday, Thursday in [Milan] was something very special for him,” the Ferrari chief said after the race.

“I don't know if it was expected from him or I don't know what he was expecting from this, but it was something mega and I think this gave him an extra boost all over the weekend.”

The support didn’t wane as the action shifted to Monza. Even after the race, Hamilton’s interaction with the crowd underscored their unwavering devotion.

“Even tonight when he went to the fans to say hello and the Tifosi was something mega,” Vasseur noted. “I don't know if you underestimate this or not, that we didn't discuss too much about this, but I think, and even for me, each time that I'm going there I'm surprised.”

A Gritty Performance Amid Challenges

Ferrari had high hopes on race day, bolstered by strong practice sessions where Hamilton topped FP1 and teammate Charles Leclerc consistently ran second. However, a five-place grid penalty that left Hamilton P10 at the start made a podium a tall order.

Despite this, the Briton carved through the field, finishing just behind former Mercedes teammate George Russell in sixth. Leclerc, meanwhile, thrilled fans with bold wheel-to-wheel battles against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, ultimately securing fourth.

Vasseur acknowledged the team’s disappointment in missing the podium but praised the fans’ relentless support.

“We didn't do the race of our life, we were expecting to be at least on the podium, we are not, but they are still there, they are still enthusiastic, still pushing and it's why I'm a bit disappointed that we were not able to give them a podium this weekend,” he said.

“But I'm really convinced that it's part of the energy into the team and the positive energy around Lewis this weekend.”

Hamilton’s Resurgence and Future Hopes

Hamilton’s sixth-place finish marked his best Grand Prix result since Silverstone and signaled a return to form after two pointless races. Vasseur highlighted Hamilton’s competitive pace, noting its consistency from practice to the race’s final lap.

“We had to serve the penalty, and we knew from the beginning of the weekend that with plus five it's not an easy one, but [Hamilton] came back behind Russell and the pace was there from the first lap of FP1 to the last lap of the race,” he explained.

The Frenchman also pointed to Hamilton’s improved form since the previous race at Zandvoort, where he showed flashes of speed despite a less favorable result.

“Honestly, I think this started in Zandvoort last week,” Vasseur said. “It's difficult to say because the outcome of the weekend was not positive for him, but at the end of the day, the pace was better from the beginning, compared to Charles, the mood was better.

“During the race, he was fighting with Russell until Lap 30, that means that he was back in a better position.”

Read also:

• Hamilton expresses delight with P6 finish: 'Really grateful'

Looking ahead, Vasseur remains optimistic about Hamilton’s prospects for the remaining eight races of the season. Despite the Briton’s lack of a podium in 2025 so far, he believes it’s only a matter of time until that void is filled.

“[Hamilton] was able to fight with Russell in Zandvoort, to come back from P10 to the gearbox of Russell today,” he added. “Russell was a couple of times on the podium, [so] yes we can expect him to be on the podium.”

The Tifosi’s fervor and Hamilton’s gritty performance at Monza have set the stage for an exciting end to the season, with Ferrari and Hamilton determined to deliver for their passionate fans.

“Solid progress in Monza, the penalty made a better result challenging, but I gave it everything. Thank you to the tifosi for bringing the passion," Hamilton wrote on Instagram.

"I’m so honoured to be driving for Ferrari and to be on the receiving end of the incredible love.

"A big thank you to everyone for all their hard work this weekend, and I’m grateful for the progress we’re making together. Grazie a tutti.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via X and Facebook