Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, arrives in Monza for the 2025 Italian Grand Prix on September 7, aiming to secure his first podium for Ferrari and avoid matching an unwanted record in the Italian team’s history. After 15 races without finishing in the top three, the British driver is just three races away from equaling Didier Pironi’s mark of 18 consecutive races without a podium for Ferrari between 1981 and 1982. The pressure intensifies after a crash in Zandvoort, where Hamilton retired alone, and a five-place grid penalty for the Monza race due to an infraction in the Netherlands. The iconic Italian circuit, known as the Temple of Speed, offers a unique opportunity for the driver to reverse his poor form, backed by the passionate Ferrari fans. However, the Italian media has expressed skepticism, pointing to Charles Leclerc as the team’s main hope.
Hamilton’s season with Ferrari has been marked by struggles. Despite a win in the China sprint race, which doesn’t count toward official statistics, the Briton has yet to achieve a significant result in main races. A 42-point gap to teammate Leclerc and 200 points to championship leader Oscar Piastri highlight his challenging moment.
- Hamilton’s main challenges: grid penalty, lack of podiums, and media criticism.
- What’s at stake: avoiding Pironi’s negative record.
- Race context: Monza is Ferrari’s home, with strong support from the tifosi.
The Monza race promises to be a turning point for the seven-time champion, who aims to regain confidence and performance at one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits.
Monza: Hamilton’s chance for redemption
The Italian GP is a unique opportunity for Lewis Hamilton. For the first time, he will race in Monza as a Ferrari driver, supported by the tifosi, who previously booed him for his five victories at the circuit with Mercedes. The track, known for its long straights and challenging corners, suits Hamilton’s aggressive driving style. However, the five-place grid penalty, imposed for failing to slow under yellow flags in Zandvoort, complicates his strategy.
Ferrari, which hasn’t won in Monza since 2019, is banking on adjustments made during the mid-season break to improve car performance. Hamilton noted on social media that these changes are showing progress, though his retirement in the Netherlands was a setback. The seven-time champion finished outside the points in Hungary (12th) and retired in Zandvoort, breaking a streak of consistent top-10 finishes.
- Monza penalty: five-place grid drop.
- Monza history: Hamilton ties Schumacher with five wins.
- Ferrari’s expectation: car upgrades could boost performance.
The Briton needs a flawless weekend to turn pressure into motivation and prevent his poor run from extending further.
The shadow of Pironi’s record
Didier Pironi, a French driver who raced for Ferrari in 1981 and 1982, holds the record for 18 consecutive races without a podium for the team. His 1981 debut season was plagued by reliability issues, and it wasn’t until the 1982 United States West GP that he won, ending the drought. Hamilton, with 15 podiumless races, is close to matching this mark.
Unlike Pironi, Hamilton faces a more competitive field, with McLaren, Red Bull, and Mercedes dominating the season. Additionally, the pressure of being a seven-time champion at a team expecting immediate results weighs heavily. Hamilton has already surpassed Ivan Capelli, who ran 14 races for Ferrari in 1992 without a podium, but still hasn’t secured a top-3 finish.
- Historical context: Pironi dealt with an uncompetitive car in 1981.
- Hamilton’s challenge: today’s competition is fiercer.
- Added pressure: expectations for instant results at Ferrari.
Avoiding Pironi’s record is critical for Hamilton to maintain the team’s and fans’ confidence.
Italian media criticism and tifosi support
The Italian press has been harsh on Hamilton’s performance. Gazzetta dello Sport described him as “faded” and highlighted Leclerc as Ferrari’s main hope for Monza. Corriere della Sera was softer but stated that Hamilton’s “dream” in 2025 is over, mixing sympathy with disappointment. Despite this, the Briton remains optimistic, emphasizing improvements in the team’s approach.
The tifosi, however, are a source of motivation. Their passion could lift Hamilton, who has won in Monza five times, tying Michael Schumacher as the track’s most successful driver. The shift from rivalry to support may make a difference this weekend.
- Media criticism: pessimistic tone regarding Hamilton’s form.
- Tifosi support: Ferrari fans expected to rally behind the driver.
- Success history: five wins at the Italian circuit.
The mix of external pressure and local support makes Monza a unique stage for Hamilton.
Technical and strategic challenges in Monza
Monza’s circuit demands high top speed and braking stability, areas Ferrari has been working to improve. Hamilton’s penalty requires an aggressive strategy, likely involving overtakes at the start and quick pit stops. Rain, which impacted him in Zandvoort, is not expected in Monza, but tire management will be key on this high-speed track.
Ferrari also faces pressure to avoid another double retirement, as seen in the Netherlands, the first in a year. Leclerc, ahead of Hamilton in the championship, is the team’s bet for a strong result, but the seven-time champion remains a key part of Ferrari’s long-term project.
- Circuit demands: speed and braking stability.
- Hamilton’s strategy: overtakes and tire management.
- Ferrari’s goal: avoid retirements and aim for a podium.
Monza’s performance could set the tone for Hamilton and Ferrari’s upcoming races.
What to expect from the next races
Hamilton has three races—Italy, Azerbaijan, and Singapore—to avoid matching Pironi’s record. Azerbaijan’s street circuit demands precision, while Singapore is physically grueling. Monza, however, offers the best chance due to the tifosi’s support and Hamilton’s track familiarity.
The 2025 season has been tough for Ferrari, struggling to keep up with McLaren and Red Bull. Despite criticism, Hamilton’s experience makes him a valuable asset, and his adaptability could prove decisive. His confidence post-Zandvoort suggests he’s focused on turning things around.
- Key races: Italy, Azerbaijan, and Singapore.
- Hamilton’s strengths: experience and Monza track record.
- Ferrari’s challenge: competing with dominant teams.
The Italian GP will be broadcast live on ge.globo at 10 a.m. on Sunday, with real-time coverage of practice and qualifying.