The Monza Grand Prix is Milan’s new Fashion Week. This was supposed to be the starting point of this issue: trying to explain how Formula 1 has transformed from a sport followed by obsessed fans into a cultural space where racing, fashion, music and celebrity all collide. Then Lewis Hamilton made an entrance. He showed up at the circuit behind the wheel of an F40 — a car he had found covered in dust inside a garage, later completely restored by Ferrari mechanics at Maranello and finally put back on the road 30 years later. And, because apparently an F40 wasn’t enough, it came with an iconic number 44 licence plate.
But that was just the beginning. A few hours later, Hamilton dropped what might be some of the coldest photos ever seen in motorsport: him and his F40 parked on the old Parabolica, one of Monza’s most iconic corners. Pure aesthetic. The tailored pinstripe suit, the ’90s-inspired Kangol hat, the sunglasses, the tan overcoat. It really doesn’t get much better than this.
Either you get it or you don’t. There is no middle ground here. Lewis Hamilton simply understood the assignment. He saw the moment, took his chance and turned a Grand Prix weekend into something that will live far beyond the race itself. The kind of content that will still be referenced long after he has retired. Maybe even long after he’s gone. Because this isn’t really about motorsport anymore. It’s about understanding the power of an image and knowing exactly how to build one.
Hamilton has spent years turning himself into something bigger than a driver, bigger than Formula 1, almost bigger than life itself. A model of how an athlete can become a cultural figure without ever losing the thing that made him famous in the first place. The F40, the old Parabolica, the suit, the hat, the number 44. Every single detail feels intentional, but never forced. That’s the difference. Anyone can wear a good outfit or drive an iconic car. Hamilton knows how to make the two mean something. And maybe that’s the real G.O.A.T. move: not just winning races, but understanding that the race eventually ends. The image doesn’t.
Kimi Antonelli will wear a new helmet paying tribute to Valentino Rossi. When we met him a couple of days ago, he was wearing a special watch. This week, we also had the chance to speak with Charles Leclerc about his relationship with fashion and Lance Stroll about elegance. And if you want to know who has the best hairstyle in the paddock, check out our interview with Nico Hülkenberg.
“Fragile” is the new trophy awarded to the three winners of the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, created by artists Stella Scala and Simeone Crispino. And the idea behind it came from a sink. No, it’s not a joke.
The new frontier of performance in Formula 1 is… sleeping. Eight Sleep, Official Partner of Aston Martin, plays a pivotal role in helping the drivers optimise their rest and recovery. We sat down with Jak Crawford, Aston Martin’s third driver, to better understand how it works.
Around 400,000 people from all over the world will be in Monza this weekend. As our colleagues at nss edicola pointed out, that means short-term rents are soaring. They also put together a list of the best places to eat, in case you’re in town.
We did not forget about other sports. Aryna Sabalenka completed her jewelry Grand Slam, and we analysed the different styles she brought to the court. Carlos Alcaraz also made his return to the court rocking the new Cactus Jack x Nike collection designed by Travis Scott. Serie A welcomed Nick Woltemade and his outfits. But he wasn’t the real hero of Juventus’ transfer window. He was.
On Sunday, we’ll be at BarTolomeo, Via Bartolomeo Eustachi 25 in Milan, to experience the Grand Prix together. We’ve prepared a few surprises for everyone joining us, but come prepared: we’ll be testing your knowledge of the history and stories behind Monza’s iconic corner names. As per Tunnel, see you next week.