Lewis Hamilton makes Ferrari admission as he struggles for sleep at Monaco Grand Prix
Lewis Hamilton is eagerly anticipating the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend as he looks to secure his first podium finish for Ferrari in Formula 1, but is struggling to sleep
Lewis Hamilton has admitted to a mix of nerves and excitement in anticipation of competing at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, in line with his remarkable performance with Ferrari at Imola.
The seasoned British racer detailed his sentiments upon arrival at Monte Carlo as he continues to seek that ever-so-coveted podium spot for the Italian squad.
Hamilton reflected on the surreal experience of joining the iconic Ferrari team, especially at such a revered race track, saying: "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. I don't know if I'll sleep tonight, I'm really, really buzzing and really excited."
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Though a top-three finish has eluded him so far in Ferrari colors, Hamilton remains hopeful, sharing his positive takeaway from the last race: "We've definitely taken on the positives from it. There's still a lot to digest – it's only been a few days, obviously.
"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."
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, a hometown hero in Monaco, tempered expectations for a repeat performance after his win last year, saying: "Unfortunately, our car hasn't been particularly strong in low-speed corners and there's only low-speed corners here."
"So on paper, it doesn't look like the most promising track for us. But in Monaco, it's also so unique and so different than anything we race on over the season that we can have also a good surprise once we put the car down tomorrow, which I hope will happen.
"And if it does, then I hope to be there on Saturday, because obviously qualifying will remain the most important part of the weekend. But on paper, it's going to be a tough one."
DON'T MISS
Ferrari heads into the Monaco weekend fourth in the constructors' championship, 17 points behind Red Bull and 33 points behind second-placed Mercedes, with leaders McLaren holding a 132-point lead over Mercedes.
