The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has addressed his Ferrari colleagues in Italian for the first time at the team’s Maranello base.
Hamilton leaves Mercedes after 12 seasons to drive for the Scuderia in 2025, as the 40-year-old has conducted various test sessions over the last few weeks.
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated previously that it is “essential” for Hamilton to learn the Italian language.
Domenicali told AutoRacer.It: “He is learning Italian to understand how to integrate into our culture.
“I told him it is also essential for him to be able to do that.
“At Ferrari, he will be in a different environment [than what he is used to].”
Urged to embrace the culture at Ferrari by the former team principal of the Prancing Horse, Hamilton showcased just that in front of his new squad.
Joined by his new team-mate Charles Leclerc and Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur, the British driver’s speech was met by a roaring applause from the Ferrari camp.
Translated to English, Hamilton said: “Hello everyone, thank you for your warm welcome.
“I am happy to start this new adventure with you at Ferrari.
“It has always been my dream to be part of this team.
“I can’t wait to work with you, thank you.”
Lewis Hamilton's Italian is coming along nicely 🇮🇹🤌
— Autosport (@autosport) February 12, 2025
(via guidoinslowmotion/IG) pic.twitter.com/v1Vhmo8tAn
Leclerc advised to make his mark against Hamilton
After adding another three victories to his tally of eight wins last season, Leclerc enjoyed his second-best result in F1 last year after his 2022 title fight against Max Verstappen.
Despite his efforts, it wasn’t enough to help seal a first Constructors’ Championship since 2008 for Ferrari.
The Moneqasue driver will once again lead the Ferrari challenge going into his seventh season with the team.
However, up against him is a centurion race winner as the former F1 team owner Eddie Jordan has encouraged the 27-year-old to “get on his bike” at the beginning of the 2025 season.
“Leclerc is there now seven years, he knows everybody,” said Jordan on the Formula For Success podcast.
“He knows all the people and what to say, the language, he’s the darling of Maranello.
“However, he will be surprised.
“I think he had a certain way with him over Sainz.
“But, as far as I’m concerned, I think Lewis will hit the ground running… well, I think it will take him two or three races.
“I would urge Leclerc to get on his bike in the early stage because that’s when Leclerc is going to show certain amounts of dominance.”
Carlos Sainz made way for the ex-Silver Arrows racing driver before relocating to Williams for 2025.
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