Hamilton gets set for ‘very special’ first Ferrari home race as...

Hamilton gets set for ‘very special’ first Ferrari home race as…read more

Lewis Hamilton has shared his thoughts ahead of his first home race as a Ferrari driver, expressing how meaningful the occasion feels while emphasizing his commitment to staying focused on the job at hand. The seven-time world champion is gearing up for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola, which serves as one of two home races for Scuderia Ferrari on the 2025 Formula 1 calendar, the other being the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in September.

Although Hamilton has competed at Imola many times before, this weekend marks the first time he’ll do so as a Ferrari driver. The experience brings with it a unique emotional weight, as he now represents one of the sport’s most iconic and passionately supported teams in their own backyard.

Speaking to the media on Thursday after arriving at the circuit, Hamilton explained that while he’s trying to approach the race as he would any other, he acknowledges the special significance of the event—particularly because of the presence of Ferrari’s devoted fans, the Tifosi.

“It honestly feels like just another race weekend in many ways,” Hamilton said. “But I know deep down this one is very special for everyone at Ferrari and for me personally. I think when I get out on the track in the red suit and car, in front of our home crowd, the reality will hit even more.”

Despite the historical and emotional weight of racing for Ferrari at home, Hamilton is determined to maintain a professional approach. His main goal, as he pointed out, is to stay focused and perform well on the track, regardless of the excitement surrounding the weekend.

“I’m really just trying to treat it like business as usual,” he continued. “There’s so much focus required to deliver at the highest level, and I’ve tried not to let the occasion overwhelm me. I know it’ll sink in a bit more when I hear the cheers from the stands and see all the red flags waving.”

Hamilton also noted the surreal experience of being on the receiving end of the Tifosi’s passion, now that he drives for their beloved team. In past years, he raced against Ferrari, often hearing the crowd’s support directed at his rivals. Now, that admiration is aimed at him, and he admitted that the shift is something he’s still adjusting to.

“It’s kind of surreal when you see all the fans at the track wearing Ferrari gear and realize they’re cheering for you now,” Hamilton reflected. “In the past, I’d hear them rooting for the red cars while I was in a rival machine. Now I’m one of those red cars. That’s something I’m still getting used to, but it’s also really inspiring.”

The British driver also hinted that this milestone in his career is part of a bigger vision he’s working toward. Though he didn’t elaborate in detail, he mentioned that joining Ferrari was part of a dream and a long-term plan he has been developing.

“I have a dream I’m working toward,” Hamilton said. “This move to Ferrari is a big part of that. I’m still discovering what we can achieve together, and this weekend is another step in that journey.”

As the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix gets underway, Hamilton will look to deliver a strong performance for his new team and give the passionate Italian fans something to celebrate. With the spotlight shining brightly on Ferrari at their home event, all eyes will be on how the legendary driver adapts to his new surroundings—and how he writes the next chapter of his remarkable Formula 1 career in the iconic red of Ferrari.