CHARGING LEWIS MET BY RED ROAR

Brit finally gives Ferrari fans something to cheer

- Daniel Moxon

LEWIS HAMILTON could not stop smiling after producing his best grand prix result for Ferrari in front of their adoring fans at Imola.

This year has been bleak for the Brit, other than a surprise win in the China sprint race in March.

But he thrilled nearly 90,000 screaming Ferrari fans with a defiant comeback drive.

From 12th on the grid, progress was tough in the early stages but he found his groove and sliced through the pack to finish fourth.

His performance delighted the locals, who were even happier when Hamilton went to greet them up close after climbing out of his Ferrari.

“I don’t remember the last time I had a race like that where you're moving forwards,” said the seven-time world champion.