Lewis Hamilton has set his sights on winning the Italian Grand Prix for the first time as a Ferrari driver this weekend.
The seven-time champion has enjoyed huge success at Monza, winning five times in his career - the joint-most alongside Michael Schumacher.
However, his last win at the venue came eight years ago, while Ferrari has won twice since then with Charles Leclerc, in 2019 and 2024.
Ferrari arrive at the Italian GP this weekend with an upgraded engine as it hopes to get involved in the fight at the front - a mission Hamilton has full faith in.
“I strongly believe that the team has what it takes to win at this level, how close it is at the front,” Hamilton told media including RacingNews365.
“For us to win this weekend, and at any weekend, it takes the whole collective to come together. It's not just one thing; everything has to flow from the beginning.
“And I really thought coming into this weekend, just thinking of the sheer magnitude of the concept that I'm coming to this grand prix... I didn't even know that I was equal with Michael on wins.
“But the thought of that there is a first ahead of me, in a sense of potentially, if you were to win, you go into new territory.
“Winning in Monza for the first time with Ferrari is something I've witnessed Charles win in 2019 when I was on the podium with him.
“To do it while I'm here would be phenomenal. The thought of if I did do that, probably will be the only black driver to ever do that for Ferrari in Italy, probably in history.
“A lot of those thoughts have been through my mind.”
Hamilton has taken to the top step of the podium with Ferrari once already this year, triumphing in Barcelona in emotional circumstances.
A win at Monza would likely match or even exceed the excitement that was felt in June, and Hamilton is feeling the tension rising as he prepares for the first day of on-track action.
“The pressure is high, you want to deliver for the team,” he said.
“All those people at the factory, many of them will get to come to this race. The Tifosi come out in huge numbers, the passion is unmatched, and you want to deliver for them as well.
“And my mum's here this weekend, I don't think she's been to Monza, but also particularly on a Ferrari weekend.
“I wanted her to experience that and bring any of the lucky dust she can bring.”
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