Lewis Hamilton Dismisses ‘Tempo di Martello’ as…read more
Lewis Hamilton has officially ruled out changing his iconic “Hammer Time” radio call to the Italian translation, “Tempo di Martello,” as he prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, known for his relentless speed and aggressive racing style, has decided that the phrase, which has been a signature part of his time at Mercedes, simply wouldn’t sound right in a different language.
Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes at the end of the 2024 season marked the end of an era, both for the driver and the team. One of the most recognizable aspects of his time with the Silver Arrows was the phrase “Hammer Time,” used by his race engineer, Peter Bonnington, to signal that it was time to push to the absolute limit. The call, which was inspired by the famous MC Hammer song, became synonymous with Hamilton’s ability to deliver blistering lap times when it mattered most.
As he transitions to Ferrari, many fans speculated whether the iconic phrase would be translated into Italian to fit the culture of the Maranello-based team. However, Hamilton has now made it clear that this won’t be the case, explaining that “Tempo di Martello” doesn’t have the same ring to it.
End of an Era with Mercedes
Hamilton’s final race with Mercedes at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was an emotional moment, not just for him but for the entire team. After 11 years with the Brackley-based outfit, during which he won six of his seven world championships, his departure signified the conclusion of one of the most dominant partnerships in F1 history.
One of the many traditions that fans have grown accustomed to over the years was the strategic use of “Hammer Time.” Whenever Bonnington, affectionately known as “Bono,” uttered the words over the radio, it was a clear indication that Hamilton was about to unleash his full potential. The phrase often coincided with crucial race moments, whether it was closing a gap to a rival, undercutting an opponent through pit strategy, or securing a race victory.
Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari
With Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, many aspects of his race-day routine will inevitably change, including the language used in team communications. Ferrari traditionally communicates in both English and Italian, with race engineers frequently using Italian phrases over the radio. However, despite this cultural shift, Hamilton believes that forcing a direct translation of “Hammer Time” would feel unnatural.
“I’ve seen people suggesting ‘Tempo di Martello,’ but it just doesn’t sound right,” Hamilton admitted. “It’s something that was unique to my time at Mercedes, and I don’t think it would work the same way at Ferrari.”
While the phrase itself may not carry over, fans can still expect Hamilton to bring the same level of determination and speed to his new team. The move to Ferrari is widely regarded as one of the most significant driver transfers in F1 history, and expectations are high for what he can achieve in the famous red car.
New Traditions at Ferrari
Despite leaving “Hammer Time” behind, Hamilton and Ferrari will likely develop their own unique traditions and strategies. Ferrari fans, known as the Tifosi, are among the most passionate in the sport, and Hamilton’s arrival has already generated immense excitement.
It remains to be seen how his dynamic with his new race engineer will evolve and what new radio calls might emerge during the season. Ferrari has a long history of using distinctive communication styles, and Hamilton’s adaptation to this new environment will be closely watched.
While “Hammer Time” may no longer be a part of his race-day vocabulary, Hamilton’s driving philosophy remains unchanged. His ability to extract the maximum performance from his car in critical moments has been a defining feature of his career, and Ferrari will be hoping that his aggressive yet calculated approach will help them end their championship drought.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As the 2025 Formula 1 season approaches, Hamilton is fully focused on making the most of his new challenge. Ferrari has shown promising signs of improvement in recent seasons, and with Hamilton’s experience and skill, they will be aiming to return to title contention.
Although fans may no longer hear the words “Hammer Time” over the radio, they can still expect the same level of performance that made the phrase famous in the first place. Whether it’s in English, Italian, or without a specific call at all, Hamilton’s ability to turn up the pace when it matters most remains one of his greatest strengths.
For now, the legend of “Hammer Time” will remain a cherished memory from Hamilton’s Mercedes days, while Ferrari fans eagerly await the next chapter of his career and whatever new traditions may emerge along the way.
