Hamilton responds to gruelling Tifosi pressure ahead of Ferrari's first home GP

It's not everyday that one gets to race in the Scuderia's colours in Italy, Hamilton knows, but in terms of preparation he has changed nothing ahead of his first Ferrari home race, he said to media like GPblog in Imola.   

"I haven't prepared any differently. I've prepared the same. I was at the factory for two days, Tuesday and Wednesday," he says.

Ferrari's announcment of him as their driver was met with frenzy and much enthusiasm, so now ahead of his first race in Italy in Ferrari red, Hamilton doesn't know what to expect, since he'd always perceived the Ferrari effect from the outside looking in.

"Even just at the factory, when you're walking around the factory, there's people at the gate every day, it's pretty incredible the support this team has. And you know, there's just a lot of high hope and a lot of expectation of course," admits Hamilton.

But it's all part and parcel of being a Ferrari driver, he believes. "But that comes with greatness, when you've got a great team. That's what people expect I guess. But I don't approach it any differently. I want to get good points for this team. I I want to get good points every weekend. But I'm definitely excited to see more red."

Next to him, Charles Leclerc is expected to take part in race weekend, but should the Monegasque's condition not improve GPblog understands reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi is the man chosen to step in in the second Ferrari.