Hamilton ‘buzzing’ for first Monaco weekend with Ferrari after taking positives from Imola charge

Lewis Hamilton cut an upbeat figure during Thursday’s media duties in Monaco as the seven-time World Champion looks to build on an encouraging recovery at last weekend’s Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

Ferrari endured a nightmare double Q2 exit at their first home Grand Prix of the season in Imola but Hamilton and team mate Charles Leclerc fought back admirably to P4 and P6 respectively on race day – the Briton’s best non-Sprint result of the season so far.

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While this weekend’s race in the Principality represents a “much different” challenge, Hamilton hopes the lessons learned last time out will stand him and the Scuderia in good stead as the latest F1 triple header progresses.

“We’ve definitely taken on the positives from it,” he commented. “There’s still a lot to digest – it’s only been a few days, obviously.

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“I was on the simulator on Monday [working] on correlation and working with the engineers through the week. I hope we can have a good weekend.

“It’s a much different track… Ferrari have generally gone well here [in the past] but as you know, Qualifying is everything and we’ve struggled so far this year, so we’ll see.

“I’ve never driven this car at this track, so that will be new for me, it’s a new characteristic to what I’ve experienced in the past, but it’s exciting to drive for the first time a Ferrari around these streets of Monte Carlo.”

Indeed, in a season of ‘firsts’ since making the move from Mercedes over the winter, Hamilton went on to explain just how special it will feel to represent Ferrari at one of F1’s most famous races.

MONTE-CARLO, MONACO - MAY 22: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari is interviewed — Hamilton has claimed two pole positions and three races wins in Monaco over the years

“I remember being here driving for McLaren in an era where the car looked the best, the best livery, it was very cool, and something I really, genuinely loved,” he continued, referring to his debut 2007 season.

“But to arrive here in a Ferrari is mad. Every weekend still is my first time with this team in all these locations that we go to, but to drive a Ferrari around this track…

“I’ve always wondered what it’s like to be in the garage surrounded by red here, and I’m going to get to experience that tomorrow. I don’t know if I’ll sleep tonight, I’m really, really buzzing and really excited.”

Hamilton heads into the event holding sixth position in the Drivers’ Championship, one spot and eight points behind Leclerc, while Ferrari sit fourth in the Teams’ battle, 165 points adrift of leaders McLaren.