‘You guys never learn’- Lewis Hamilton lauded for Ferrari gesture that Michael Schumacher never did
Lewis Hamilton’s impressive drive at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, Italy, marked a significant milestone in his journey with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion, who joined the Scuderia at the start of the season, secured his best finish yet with the team, coming in fourth place.
Hamilton’s path to the top-four finish was not an easy one. He qualified 12th on Saturday, but a combination of clever strategy and safety cars allowed him to make up ground on Sunday. The Briton skillfully navigated the challenging Imola circuit, passing George Russell, Alex Albon, and his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc along the way.
The 40-year-old’s performance was all the more impressive given his struggles in the main races this season. Prior to Imola, Hamilton’s best finish had been fifth place, but he had shown glimpses of his old self with a win in the Chinese Sprint.
Hamilton’s efforts on and off the track have clearly resonated with the Tifosi, Ferrari’s passionate fan base. In a pre-race interview, Hamilton showcased his burgeoning Italian language skills, which drew praise from 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve.
Villeneuve noted that Hamilton’s willingness to learn Italian and connect with the Tifosi was a departure from the approach taken by Michael Schumacher during his Ferrari days. While Schumacher ultimately won over the Tifosi, it took time, and Villeneuve suggested that Hamilton’s efforts to learn the language and engage with the fans would serve him well in the long run.
Despite the challenges he has faced in his first season with Ferrari, Hamilton remains optimistic about the team’s prospects. He praised the efforts of his race engineer, Riccardo Adami, and the entire Ferrari team, who got the strategy right at Imola after a misstep in Miami.
Hamilton’s fourth-place finish has raised hopes that Ferrari can return to the top of the Formula 1 podium. While there is still work to be done, the team’s performance at Imola suggests that they are moving in the right direction.
As for Hamilton, he is clearly feeling more comfortable in his Ferrari car, and his bond with the team is growing stronger with each passing race. With his language skills and cultural awareness, Hamilton is well on his way to becoming a fan favorite in Italy, and his on-track performances will only serve to further endear him to the Tifosi.
