The 41-year-old driver revealed that his acquisition of the classic car, one of only 1,300 produced between 1987 and 1993, felt like a twist of fate. After searching for an authentic, low-mileage model, Hamilton discovered a vehicle near the Ferrari factory in Maranello that had been driven only 69 kilometres before being stored away. Upon inspecting the car, he was stunned to find that the engine was stamped with the number 44, matching the iconic racing number he has utilized throughout his career.
A symbolic arrival at Ferrari's home race
Hamilton explained that his decision to drive the F40 into the circuit was intended to honour the history of Ferrari during their home race weekend. The arrival coincides with the team’s celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of Michael Schumacher’s maiden home victory in 1996. Hamilton currently shares the record for five Monza wins with the German legend and is aiming to secure a record-breaking sixth victory at the venue this weekend.
Beyond the personal significance of his arrival, the weekend carries major implications for the championship standings. Ferrari has confirmed an engine upgrade for the event, a development Hamilton hopes will provide the necessary momentum to close the 59-point gap currently held by championship leader Kimi Antonelli. The 20-year-old Italian faces a challenging weekend, as he is set to start from the back of the grid following a power unit penalty incurred by Mercedes.
Focusing on the title race and family support
Reflecting on the technical updates, Hamilton noted that while the engine upgrade is a positive step, the team remains aware of the work still required to reach their full potential. He expressed confidence in the team's ability to compete for the win, bolstered by the presence of his mother, who is attending the event to support him in his Ferrari colours for the first time.
As the weekend progresses, all eyes will be on whether the combination of mechanical improvements and personal motivation can propel the veteran driver to a milestone victory. With the title race intensifying, Hamilton remains focused on the task ahead, hoping to channel the history of the circuit and the serendipity of his new car into a successful performance on the track.
