Italy's press on Monday paid tribute
to Lewis Hamilton after the 41-year-old seven-time Formula One
world champion clinched his first victory since joining Ferrari
last year at Sunday's Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, with his
photo on the front pages of most newspapers, not just the sports
dailies.
The Briton cut Kimi Antonelli's lead in the driving standings to
41 points by ending the five-race wining streak of the Italian
teen, who had to retire with a technical problem.
"It's not over, that's for sure," said an emotional Hamilton
after the race, referring to the battle for the title with
Mercedes driver Antonelli.
The victory extended Hamilton's record for the highest number of
Grands Prix wins in Formula One history to 106, as well as his
record for podium finishes, 206.
"You have helped me so much to achieve this dream, I cannot
thank you enough," Hamilton said over team radio after taking
the chequered flag first.
"To the fans, thank you for reminding me who I am. I couldn't
have done this without you".
Il Corriere della Sera had his photo at the centre of its front
page with the headline: "Ferrari returns to victory, Hamilton
weeps and promises: 'It's not over'."
La Stampa simply declared "Red Hamilton".
Il Messaggero toasted "Hamilton's triumph - Ferrari celebrate
after 595 days".
La Gazzetta dello Sport ran a huge photo of Hamilton in his
Ferrari gear with his hand on his heart on its front page, with
the headline: "I'm Back".
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