Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari action which ‘Schumacher was never liked’ for…read more

Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari has already made waves, not only for its impact on the Formula One grid but also for his approach to integrating with the team. One of his first notable actions upon joining Ferrari was addressing the team in Italian, a gesture that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Michael Schumacher. Unlike Hamilton, Schumacher never fully embraced speaking Italian during his time at Ferrari, a factor some believe affected his popularity among Italian fans.

Hamilton, a seven-time Formula One world champion, made the switch from Mercedes to Ferrari ahead of the 2025 season. His arrival in Maranello was met with great enthusiasm, and he quickly showed his commitment to the team by delivering a short speech in their native language. Speaking in Italian, Hamilton greeted the Ferrari staff warmly, saying:

“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.”

This effort to communicate directly with his team in their own language was widely praised by those within Ferrari, including team principal Fred Vasseur and former Ferrari boss Stefano Domenicali. Both figures highlighted the significance of Hamilton’s willingness to embrace Ferrari’s culture and traditions, as well as the impact it could have on team morale.

Hamilton’s decision to speak in Italian is being seen as a strong signal of his dedication to making Ferrari his home. It reflects an awareness of the importance of cultural integration within a team as historic and deeply rooted in national pride as Ferrari. Over the years, several foreign drivers have competed for Ferrari, but not all have made the effort to engage with the Italian language or culture to this extent.

This move has led to comparisons with Michael Schumacher, who, despite bringing Ferrari immense success with five consecutive championships from 2000 to 2004, was often perceived as somewhat distant from the Italian public due to his reluctance to speak their language. While Schumacher was beloved for his achievements, some believe his lack of fluency in Italian prevented him from forging an even deeper bond with the Tifosi.

By contrast, Hamilton’s approach suggests he is eager to establish strong connections within the team and among Ferrari’s passionate fanbase. His proactive step in speaking Italian so early in his Ferrari tenure could help him win over not just his colleagues but also the loyal supporters of the Scuderia. As he embarks on this new chapter in his career, Hamilton’s cultural awareness and enthusiasm may prove just as valuable as his driving skills in his quest to bring championship glory back to Maranello.