Lewis Hamilton turns heads at Italian Grand Prix with dream Ferrari F40 that carries a powerful link to his childhood

Lewis Hamilton made a memorable entrance at the Italian Grand Prix on Thursday, arriving at Monza in his newly restored Ferrari F40 and immediately turning heads before the weekend’s action had even begun. The seven-time Formula 1 champion paired the iconic red Ferrari with a dark suit, tan coat and distinctive hat, creating a classic look that gave photographers plenty to capture. Hamilton’s choice of car was especially significant, as the F40 holds a deeply personal place in his story. The Ferrari legend was a childhood dream for the British driver, who recently revealed just how long he had wanted to own one. Now, with the beautifully restored F40 by his side, Hamilton brought together two of his greatest passions, Ferrari and some of the most iconic machinery ever produced by the Italian marque—making for an arrival perfectly suited to Monza.Lewis Hamilton shows off his Ferrari F40 at MonzaHamilton, 41, drove the classic Ferrari into the Monza circuit ahead of this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix. He later stopped for photographs beside the car, which has quickly become one of the most personal additions to his collection.His outfit also stood out. Hamilton wore a dark suit under a tan coat and added a quirky flat cap-style hat and sunglasses. The look came despite the warm Italian weather, but it matched the kind of bold fashion choices he often brings to Formula 1 paddocks.The F40 itself has an unusual story. Hamilton recently bought the car after it had spent more than 30 years sitting in a garage. Instead of simply taking it home, he sent it to Ferrari’s Maranello factory, where its restoration was handled by specialists.Hamilton explained on Instagram why the car means so much to him. He wrote, “My very own F40. This is the car of my dreams and has been for as long as I can remember.”He also said he had wanted one since he was a child and made sure an F40 was part of his first day at Ferrari in 2025.The exact value of Hamilton’s car has not been officially confirmed. While the original report described it as a £3 million Ferrari, recent reports have placed the restored F40’s value at more than £6 million. Its condition, history and rarity can make a major difference to its price.Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari F40 carries his famous number 44There is another detail that makes Hamilton’s F40 even more personal. The car carries the number 44, the racing number he has used throughout his Formula 1 career.For Hamilton, 44 goes back much further than his time in F1. He has previously explained that his father used an old go-kart with the number F44 when Hamilton was a child. That became the number he raced with before eventually choosing 44 as his permanent F1 number.The F40 also holds a special place in Ferrari history. The model was the final road car approved by Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari and has become one of the company’s most famous classic cars.Hamilton’s arrival at Monza therefore brought together two things that have followed him for years: his love of Ferrari and the number that has been part of his racing story since childhood.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.