Lewis Hamilton is all set to compete at Monza this weekend after recently signing a new contract with Mercedes. As the Briton gets set to compete at his 11th Italian Grand Prix as a Mercedes driver, he has opened up on a horrific encounter he once had with Ferrari fans. In an interview (as quoted by express.co.uk), the 38-year-old revealed that the Tifosi fans once threw “black cats” at him.
The fans of the Prancing Horse are arguably the most passionate supporters of their team. They continue to showcase such support for Ferrari even though their team has not done too well recently. And at times, because of this passion, there have been instances when fans have perhaps taken things too far.
Lewis Hamilton explains the shocking encounter he once had with Ferrari fans
While speaking ahead of this weekend’s Italian GP (as quoted by express.co.uk) about the shocking moment he once had with Ferrari fans, Lewis Hamilton said, “I can’t remember if it was here or somewhere else. I got black cats thrown at me“.
Hamilton, who has won a joint-record of five races at Monza, then added how the Italian fans now embrace him after his recent successes at the venue. “I remember there was a period of time when we couldn’t wear the team shirt into the circuit to now just having such a warm welcome from the Italian fans,” explained the Briton.
The 38-year-old then concluded by adding that the feeling he now has in Italy is special and that he has loved this place since he was 13. Interestingly, Hamilton has made these remarks despite some Ferrari fans recently wanting F1 to crown Felipe Massa as the 2008 champion instead of the Briton.
Ferrari fans rally behind Massa as Brazilian launches legal battle for ‘stolen’ 2008 title
Soon after former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone shockingly admitted that he was aware of the infamous 2008 Crashgate scandal but deliberately did not take any action to avoid any further chaos, an enraged Felipe Massa has been out to seek justice.
The Brazilian lost out on the title to Lewis Hamilton after Nelson Piquet’s planned crash at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix meant that he could not claim victory in the race to clinch the title. As a result, the 42-year-old now has demanded $13,000,000 as compensation from the FIA and F1 for the reputational damage he suffered consequently.
Ferrari fans already know the outcome of that pending legal battle. #AMuS #F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/qa4ponH7T2
— Tobi Grüner 🏁 (@tgruener) August 31, 2023
Soon after Massa decided to take legal action, it seems that the Ferrari fans have also backed his decision. F1 journalist Tobi Gruner put up a post to explain what kind of justice the Tifosi want for Massa. The banner in Gruner’s post reads (translated from Italian), “Felipe Massa. 2008 World Champion“.
While Massa can no longer reclaim the championship as per the rules of the sport, he could yet receive the financial compensation he seeks if the verdict goes in his favor. Meanwhile, even though Massa is keen to seek justice, he has made it clear that he has nothing against Hamilton and only wants those guilty of this conspiracy to receive punishment.
