upon landing in Italy was the first Italian he met after winning
the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix. The seven-time world champion
returned to Maranello a few days after claiming his first victory
as a Ferrari driver, representing the Scuderia’s first win since
the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix. Hamilton has thrust himself into
title contention following a remarkable run of form, which has seen
him finish second, second and first in the last three rounds.
Ferrari has made huge strides over the opening races of the new
power unit era, generating belief in Italy that something special
could be on the cards. Winning in red was a childhood dream for
Hamilton, which he has now turned into reality, with both the
police officer he encountered and the staff at immigration control
delighted by his victory. Despite all the positive reactions he has
received in Italy, the 41-year-old knows the Maranello-based outfit
must remain grounded and keep pushing forward. Asked what it was
like returning to Maranello after winning in Barcelona, Hamilton
told select media, including RacingNews365 : “I was at Maranello on
Thursday and Friday for events there. “As soon as I landed at the
airport, I saw how important it was to the police officer and then
to immigration, and how happy they were. They were the first
Italians I saw when I landed. “Then, when I got to the track and
into the factory, seeing how happy everybody was really stood out.
There’s definitely a really great… I think there’s always been
good energy in the team, but it felt even stronger, for sure. “But,
as you’ve heard Fred [Vasseur] say, we also have to come back down
and get back to doing our jobs, back to our desks, and channel that
positive energy into our work. I think that’s what everyone’s
trying to do.”