Mercedes, Hamilton: “No other Grand Prix has the atmosphere that there is in Monza”

After a rather complicated Belgian Grand Prix, which ended in third place after starting from the last row, Lewis Hamilton is preparing to experience the Italian Grand Prix, one of his favorites of the season, not only for the characteristics and history of the track, but also for the many fans who make Monza a special weekend.

Although Mercedes is the team to beat, given the clear superiority shown so far with victories, Lewis believes it is difficult to make predictions for the Italian event: “I think it's impossible to predict what will happen during the Grand Prix, anything can happen and the last few races have proven it. Some things, however, when you come to Monza are quite certain: the weather is good, the food is good and the fans here are incredible. There is a lot of passion for Ferrari but I think Mercedes also has many supporters here” – commented the Englishman in an interview for Mercedes-Benz Italia -. “Personally I don't have a favorite circuit. I like all the circuits because they all have different characteristics, they offer different challenges. I like Monza for the weather, for the place, it's always nice to come to Italy. The track has a great history behind it and is very different from the others, due to the long straights and the little downforce required. It is a track on which you can overtake and from the podium you can see the entire straight full of Italian fans. It's a special place that should never be off the calendar".

The Monza event, as mentioned, is not unique simply for the characteristics of the track, but also, and above all, for the thousands of fans who manage to create an atmosphere that no other Grand Prix can boast: "Italians are very passionate about cars and racing. When you come here all the stands are full, with lots of flags and even those colorful smoke bombs. It is the fans who make this weekend special. You can go to all the tracks in the world, they may be fun to drive, but none of them give you the atmosphere that Monza has. Every now and then we go around the world thinking that there will be a wonderful circuit, for example in Turkey, but there are no fans and there isn't a good atmosphere” said the reigning world champion.

Over time, Lewis has also become a driver much appreciated by the Italian public, who have been able to recognize his talent, thanks also to the many supporters that the Englishman can boast in Italy: “There is a group of fans that I saw yesterday . I can't say one person in particular, but ultimately, you know, over the years it's all grown and grown. The first few years were very difficult. Then later, in recent years McLaren and in those Mercedes there were many Ferrari fans who told me 'come to Ferrari, come to Ferrari', which is something beautiful because it means they accept you and that's something I really appreciate."

Hamilton is also particularly known for his way of living life, a bit mundane, always looking to keep himself busy with trips and parties, which then shares on your social networks. A way to stay in touch with your fans, although it's not always that simple when you're so popular: “Social networks aren't used much in Formula 1, like in football or in the music world. Personally, I grew up with the dream of becoming a pilot, not even when the economic resources were starting to see it. So when I see other people I'm always grateful for what I have, because people don't know how expensive the racing world is. But they show me all their support, so it's nice to communicate with them. Finding the right balance is difficult, because unfortunately you are not only talking to the fans, but also to the media or to people who want to benefit from what you write or do. It's a very fine line between showing everything and keeping everything private. I try to do the best I can”the Mercedes driver then concluded.

Gianluca D'Alessandro