Lewis Hamilton has set his sights on matching Juan Manuel Fangio - the five-time Formula One champion whom the Briton describes as the "original gangster" - with victory in Monza on Sunday.
No driver since Fangio, who recorded a hat-trick of victories at the so-called 'Temple of Speed' in the 1950s, has won the Italian Grand Prix on three consecutive occasions.
But following victories here in 2014 and again last year - a weekend he dominated by topping every practice and qualifying session before winning from start-to-finish - Hamilton, who is also just one triumph shy of his 50th in the sport, could match the achievements of the Argentinian later this weekend.
"It is pretty crazy when you mention Fangio," said Hamilton, who leads his sole title rival Nico Rosberg by nine points in the championship, and was fastest in practice on Friday. "Jeez, I really never thought I would be in a similar sentence to Fangio.
"For me, Ayrton Senna growing up was the guy I wanted to be like, but Fangio is up there and is really the OG (urban slang for 'original gangster') above him.
''I have to pinch myself every day that I even have the job that I have. I don't know why in the world things happen the way they do, and I am just grateful for the position I am in.''
Hamilton remains on course to become the first British driver to win four titles after he stormed from 21st to third in last Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix.
While Rosberg is still Hamilton's closest challenger, teen sensation Max Verstappen could be the heir to the triple world champion's throne.
The 18-year-old became the sport's youngest ever winner earlier this season, but has courted criticism from a number of leading figures in the paddock following his aggressive defending last week in Belgium.
Yet Hamilton, who, at the age of 22 made his grand prix debut five years later than Verstappen, believes the critics should ease off the Dutchman.
''Firstly, give the guy a break,'' the 31-year-old added. ''He is 18 years old, and what the heck were any of us doing at 18?
''He has won a grand prix, and the pressure on his young shoulders is something most people will not be able to comprehend. He is young and he is learning.
''I don't know what I would have been like at 18, but I would have made lots of mistakes. I just see a young, talented kid who seems to have an enormous amount of raw talent.''
Source: PA
