The Grand Prix weekend in Italy has yet to begin, but the festivities surrounding Italy’s national pride, Ferrari, have already started. Thousands of tifosi travelled to Milan on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion is already feeling the ‘pressure’ that comes with driving Ferrari’s second home race of the season. Fortunately, Hamilton can count on the help of experienced Leclerc.
“Of course, there is a huge pressure on us as a team,” Lewis Hamilton reflects in Zandvoort, looking ahead to the weekend in Monza. “I am particularly under pressure, as I am not having a good season. Hopefully, the energy of all the fans present will help us.” What certainly won’t help Hamilton is the five-place grid penalty he has to serve during the Italian GP. The Brit received the penalty for speeding under the double yellow flag in Zandvoort.
Leclerc Assists His Teammate
Charles Leclerc, now an expert in managing the expectations of the tifosi, believes his teammate is in for a big shock in Monza, despite Hamilton finishing the Emilia-Romagna GP in fourth place last May. “His first Grand Prix weekend in Monza will be different from mine, as Lewis has already experienced so many great moments,” the Monegasque explains.”I’m fairly certain he will still be shocked by how extraordinary this week feels, but he has experienced much more than I had at the time,” Leclerc said. In 2019, Leclerc had his first year with Ferrari, and immediately clinched the team’s first win at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza since Fernando Alonso in 2010. “I had just come from Sauber. Winning in Monza with Ferrari was simply incredible. It all happened at once and it was quite crazy. But the experience in Monza is unique for every driver, especially the first time.”
Therefore, Leclerc has already well prepared Hamilton for the Italian Grand Prix weekend. “I told him how crazy it’s going to be and how exhausting the week is. We talked a bit about it and I think he’s really looking forward to it.” As for performance, however, Leclerc is less optimistic. “I hope one of us will win. That would be very special. I don’t think we’re the favorites, but you never know. I mean, the energy and the atmosphere there are just very, very special.”
