No need for Hamilton to imagine standing on Monza podium: 'Far from what I think'

08:49, 05 Sep

byKada Sarkozi

Lewis Hamilton is set for his Monza debut with Ferrari this weekend, still without a podium yet since joining the team.

Throughout the 2025 season, Hamilton has finished fourth on several occasions, and claimed Ferrari's first-ever Sprint victory in China, but has yet to finish inside the top three on a Sunday.

The Briton had a difficult spell with the Scuderia recently, but apart from his incident in Turn 3 in Zandvoort, the seven-time world champion was encouraged by his progress with the team.

However, Hamilton does not need to imagine what a podium could look feel in Monza driving for the Italian team, he explained to GPblog.

"Honestly, I haven’t [stopped to imagine], simply because I’ve been on the podium plenty of times here, so I know what it’s like to be up there.

"I’ve seen how it’s been for other Ferrari drivers, and anything I try to imagine will be far from what that feeling could be.

"But always, just coming here for anyone, no matter what team you drive for, it’s an incredible experience.

"Being in this park, at this historic circuit, and then seeing the whole Tifosi throughout the pit straight.

"But also when you do the parade lap, the fans are very close, so it feels like they’re right with you in the car. It’s pretty cool," the Briton explained.

Hamilton already hit with grid penalty for Monza

The Briton was handed a five-place grid penalty by the stewards in Zandvoort for speeding under double yellow flags on the reconnaissance lap.

Hamilton was shocked after seeing the penalty. "To get the penalty and get penalty points, [it's] pretty hardcore," he shared his verdict.

The former world champion also addressed whether achieving his first podium with Ferrari is possible this weekend, adding that he is "very motivated to make up for those positions."