Lewis Hamilton helped to create a classy moment for one fan at the Italian Grand Prix.
In wholesome footage captured by an Italian Grand Prix marshal, Lewis Hamilton is seen signing a cap before sharing a handshake with the volunteer. The Brit enjoyed a passionate reception from the Tifosi ahead of his move to Ferrari next season.
Hamilton managed to make one fan’s day ahead of the race on Sunday. During the traditional driver’s parade, a marshal carrying an LH44-branded Mercedes cap spotted the seven-time world champion alone at the front of the mobile platform.
After running to catch up with the vehicle, Hamilton quickly put down his video camera to sign the cap for the marshal, who ran alongside the parade lorry during the process while shouting “Still we rise, still we rise” at the Mercedes driver.
The Brit was taken aback by the fan’s passion and shared a handshake after handing back the cap. He then gave the supporter a thumbs-up before tapping his chest a couple of times to signify his gratitude.
Hamilton will need to get used to the heroes welcome in Italy ahead of his switch to Ferrari in 2025. The Tifosi rival Max Verstappen’s Orange Army when it comes to the most passionate F1 supporters, and the atmosphere at Monza is one of the most fiery and passionate of the season, alongside Silverstone, Zandvoort and Interlagos.
Discussing his reception at Monza this year, Hamilton said: “I’m not going to lie, it definitely does feel a little bit different. I mean, it always feels special when you come here.
Aww, a race marshal ran along the track after the parade truck to get Lewis' autograph. Lewis saw him, stopped filming, signed his cap while the marshal kept running, telling him, "Still we rise, still we rise," and then they shook hands 🥹💝#ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/Q7VVjHAJaZ
— Sir Lewis Updates (@LH44updates) September 1, 2024
“We’re coming here at a decent time in terms of the weather’s incredible today, obviously, the huge changes they’ve made to the track. But as Charles [Leclerc] was saying, there’s always such incredible passion throughout Italy, just in the culture in general but particularly about racing.
“It’s always exciting just to see the fans that we’re going to see throughout the weekend. The passion here and the excitement that they really bring to this race is really not particularly matched in too many places.”
Hamilton will now be dreaming of matching Leclerc’s achievement and delivering a victory for Ferrari at their home circuit next season. His future team-mate’s triumph on Sunday sparked wild celebrations in the grandstands and set up an unforgettable trophy presentation ceremony on the best podium in F1.
The seven-time world champion can take some confidence from Ferrari’s performance in Monza too. Before the summer break, a run of three wins for Mercedes in four races sparked speculation that Hamilton may live to regret leaving the Silver Arrows, but his future team bounced back in style on home soil.