Hamilton reveals hope of becoming first black Ferrari driver to win in Italy

Hamilton Aims for Historic First Win for Ferrari in Italy as Black Champion Counts Down to Home Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton has expressed his strong desire to become the first Black Ferrari Formula 1 driver to secure a victory at an Italian Grand Prix, ahead of the events this weekend at Monza.

The seven-time world champion has enjoyed a markedly improved second campaign in red, highlighted by a breakthrough Grand Prix win in Barcelona during June which helped keep him firmly in title contention. With the standings tightening behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli by 59 points when eleven rounds remain, Hamilton’s hopes for triumph at Imola feel increasingly poised.

His aspirations for glory in Monza have strengthened by the knowledge that Antonelli will start from the back of the grid following a penalty for exceeding his engine-part allowance.

When asked what a prospective 107th career Grand Prix victory would signify, Hamilton reflected: “I’ve really thought coming into this weekend, as I pondered, just thinking of the sheer magnitude of the concept that I’m going to this Grand Prix, I didn’t even know that I was equal with Michael Schumacher on five Monza wins, for example.”

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• Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win in red at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix.

Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton claimed his first win in red at the Barcelona‑Catalunya Grand Prix.
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Engine upgrade won’t recover ‘whole gap’

Hamilton’s chances of victory should be bolstered by the arrival of Ferrari’s second engine upgrade of the season.

The team confirmed on Wednesday that they have seized one of two opportunities available to improve their power unit during their 2026 campaign.

Perhaps Ferrari’s greatest weakness this season has been possessing a less potent power unit than Mercedes, who also supply McLaren with their engines.

Hamilton added: “Every little helps, and I think up until this point of the year we’ve been trailing, even in the last race on a short circuit we were falling four tenths per lap. That’s a massive deficit and we’ve carried that through the entire season to this point.”

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“What I can say is I’m really proud when I return to the factory and see how hard everyone is working. They’re truly focused, and everyone’s incredibly motivated.

“I notice a clearer direction this year compared to last year. Yesterday, I felt there wasn’t a specific target. Now we have a clear goal, and we understand exactly where to focus our efforts.

“They’ve performed exceptionally well in bringing the team together and achieving results. This represents progress; it isn’t bridging the complete gap, but that expectation has set us straight.

“However, seeing incremental improvements every weekend as we enhance the vehicle is exhilarating, and I remain confident that we possess the capability to win.”

Sky Sports F1’s Italian GP Live Schedule

Formula 1 arrives at Monza for Ferrari’s home race at the Italian Grand Prix this weekend, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1. Stream Sky Sports with NOW — no contract, cancel anytime.

Friday September 4
7.30am: F3 Practice
8.55am: F2 Practice
11am: Italian Grand Prix Practice One (session begins at 11:30pm)*
12.55pm: F3 Qualifying
1.50pm: F2 Qualifying
2.35pm: Italian Grand Prix Practice Two (session starts at 3pm)
4.15pm: The F1 Show
5.20pm: Team Bosses’ Press Conference

Saturday September 5
8.25am: F3 Sprint
11.15am: Italian Grand Prix Practice Three (session begins at 11:30am)
1.10pm: F2 Sprint
2.15pm: Italian Grand Prix Qualifying build‑up
3pm: ITALIAN GRAND PRIX QUALIFYING*
5pm: Ted’s Qualifying Notebook

Sunday September 6
7.10am: F3 Feature Race
8.40am: F2 Feature Race
10.40am: Porsche Supercup Race
12.30pm: Grand Prix Sunday – Italian GP build‑up
2pm: THE ITALIAN GRAND PRIX
4pm: Chequered Flag: Italian GP reaction
5pm: Ted’s Notebook

*also aired on Sky Sports Main Event

The Italian Grand Prix takes place at Monza, Ferrari’s home race, this weekend on Sky Sports F1.

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