Lewis Hamilton will try to reinforce his aspirations for an unprecedented eighth world drivers' title with a record six victories at the Italian Grand Prix this Sunday, when he competes on Ferrari's home asphalt. As he tries to reduce local hero Kimi Antonelli's 59-point lead – the Italian has already won six times with Mercedes – the 41-year-old champion with seven titles received encouraging news. Ferrari plans to introduce an updated powertrain, while 20-year-old Antonelli faces a grid penalty for using a new engine. Hamilton shares the record of five victories in Italy, at Monza, with fellow seven-time champion Michael Schumacher, whose first home victory, 30 years ago, in his debut season with Ferrari, is being marked with special team livery and equipment. This nostalgic touch will only intensify the emotional atmosphere, as Italy's favorite sports team takes on the tifosi's new curly-haired hero, Antonelli, who happens to be from the home of Ferrari, Emilia-Romagna, in the historic temple of speed. Entering the 13th round of this year's world championship and one of F1's most iconic events, Antonelli leads with 242 points, with his Mercedes teammate George Russell and Hamilton both in hot pursuit on 183. Russell is 2nd having won twice this year, against Hamilton once. For Hamilton, Monza has always been a successful ground. He won five times at the old Parque Real circuit between 2012 and 2018, and he hopes Ferrari has responded to his criticism of poor teamwork and strategy at last month's Dutch Grand Prix, won by McLaren's world champion Lando Norris. Teammate Charles Leclerc will also have his own reasons to shine, including the ambition of achieving a 3rd victory in Italy, adding to his jubilant triumphs in 2019 and 2024. Post navigation Alex Palou’s rivals hope to create double problems in Milwaukee Miguel Oliveira renews and continues in the 2027 World Cup