Lewis Hamilton says an upgraded Ferrari engine for the Italian Grand Prix is a "step forward but not the whole amount we need". Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc have each won one race this season, with Hamilton 59 points behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes. Hamilton emphasized the need for the team to unite, saying "everything has to flow from the beginning" to win at Monza.

He expressed personal motivation, noting his mother’s attendance and the significance of winning for the first time with Ferrari at Monza, calling it "phenomenal". Hamilton acknowledged the high pressure from the passionate tifosi and the importance of feeding off their energy. He noted that Antonelli will start at the back due to a grid penalty for exceeding engine part allowances, a decision made because Monza’s long straights make it optimal for introducing a new engine.

Hamilton believes Antonelli’s pace will allow him to slide through the field easily despite the penalty. Hamilton arrived at Monza in his new Ferrari F40, a 1980s supercar he described as a "dream car", chosen for its authenticity, low mileage, and personal connection to his race number 44. He said he sought a car with a story and original paint, finally finding one driven only 69km from Maranello by its previous owner.