Few weekends on the F1 calendar carry the same buzz as Monza. Ahead of this year's Italian Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton made his excitement known for the event, opening up about exactly why this particular stop always hits different for him.

Historically, the Temple of Speed has always offered a unique challenge, with its long straights and high-speed corners. With the seven-time world champion gearing up to take on the circuit in red for the second year, he expressed his excitement.

During his appearance at the House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% event in central Milan, Hamilton said what makes this race special. 

"It's always exciting in Monza," Hamilton said while talking to the Tifosi, as reported by Sky Sports. "It's the fastest race we get to go to."

This year Monza carries extra weight for Ferrari after a difficult outing at their home race last season, where Charles Leclerc finished in fourth, and Hamilton finished in sixth.  

This year feels different, though, with Hamilton confident the car finally gives them a real shot at competing near the top of the grid. 

"Last year we didn't have the car to fight. I think this year we have the car to fight."

Hamilton shares F1's record for most Italian Grand Prix wins, five, alongside Michael Schumacher, though his own Monza debut in red last year only brought sixth place. 

However, this season the seven-time world champion picked up his first win for Ferrari back in June at the Spanish Grand Prix and now looks for a second at Monza, on a weekend where title leader Kimi Antonelli starts from the back after an engine penalty. 

With the car and confidence both trending in the right direction, Hamilton will be hoping this weekend marks the moment his Ferrari story at Monza finally turns a corner. 

Lewis Hamilton speaks about the Tifosi’s support ahead of the Italian Grand Prix 

Sitting 59 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli, Hamilton took a moment to reflect on his season, while reflecting on his win in Barcelona earlier this season.

His attention, though, is already on Monza and the possibility of fighting for another win.

"Barcelona was amazing, the support from everybody," Hamilton said during his speech, as reported by Sky Sports. "But I hope this weekend we can fight for the win."

That same energy followed him to Milan, where fans welcomed him and Leclerc ahead of the Grand Prix. Hamilton then proceeded to thank the crowd.

"It's amazing to be here," he said. "This is the second year, and to see you all here is incredible. To see you all here is overwhelming. I love the Tifosi."

With the crowd firmly behind him, Hamilton will be hoping that same energy translates into results once the lights go out on Sunday. 

Written by

Chionia Libania Colaco