Italy, the land of passionate motorsport fans and the home of Ferrari, is gearing up for a seismic shift in Formula 1. With Lewis Hamilton, the sport’s most decorated driver, set to make his debut for the Scuderia in 2025, the anticipation is palpable. According to two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari will cause nothing short of a national frenzy.
Hamilton at Ferrari: A Dream Come True
For Ferrari, often referred to as a national treasure, and Hamilton, whose career is unparalleled, this partnership represents the ultimate union of racing legends. Ferrari, boasting the most Constructors’ Championships in F1 history, and Hamilton, a seven-time Drivers’ Champion, create a combination that has left the motorsport world buzzing.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s On Track podcast, Fittipaldi highlighted the immense impact of Hamilton’s Ferrari debut:
“The whole of Italy is going to stop on Sunday to watch Lewis drive a Ferrari!” he exclaimed. Fittipaldi also emphasized how Ferrari’s resurgence under team principal Frédéric Vasseur, coupled with Hamilton’s experience and hunger for a new challenge, makes this one of the most exciting storylines in recent F1 history.
“Every driver dreams of driving for Ferrari, and for Lewis, this is a huge opportunity,” Fittipaldi added.
The Tifosi Factor
Ferrari’s fanbase, known as the Tifosi, is among the most passionate and loyal in sports. Over the years, they’ve embraced drivers like Charles Leclerc, whose Monza victory in 2019 cemented his status as a fan favorite. Now, with Hamilton joining Ferrari, the Tifosi are preparing to welcome a global superstar into their fold.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari comes with unique cultural expectations. While Leclerc’s proficiency in Italian helped him adapt quickly to Ferrari’s ethos, Hamilton has acknowledged that he’s working to overcome the language barrier. Former Ferrari team principal and current F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali noted Hamilton’s efforts to integrate:
“He is learning Italian to understand how to integrate into our culture. At Ferrari, he will be in a different environment than what he is used to.”
Hamilton himself admitted at last year’s Italian Grand Prix that his Italian skills were rusty, joking, “It’s probably as bad as it was when I was in karting!” However, progress is being made, signaling his commitment to fully embrace the Ferrari way.
The Vasseur Connection
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is also bolstered by his longstanding relationship with Frédéric Vasseur, who was his team principal during his time in Formula 3 and Formula 2. Fittipaldi likened their reunion to a “family getting back together,” underscoring the significance of this collaboration for Hamilton at this stage of his career.
A Nation Awaits
Italy has a deep, almost spiritual connection to Ferrari, and Hamilton’s debut in red is expected to captivate not just motorsport enthusiasts but the entire nation. With Ferrari’s performance showing signs of resurgence and the 2025 grid shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years, the stage is set for fireworks.
Fittipaldi summed up the excitement perfectly:
“Ferrari’s coming back strong. Seeing Lewis in a Ferrari will be something truly special. Formula 1 is more competitive than ever, and next season will be one to watch.”
The Road Ahead
As Hamilton prepares for one of the most anticipated moves in F1 history, all eyes are on Ferrari. Can Hamilton adapt to the unique demands of Ferrari and the expectations of the Tifosi? Will he deliver the championship glory that has eluded the team since 2007? One thing is certain: when Hamilton dons the iconic red suit for the first time, the entire world—not just Italy—will be watching.