Lewis Hamilton Admits to Italian Food Challenges While Settling Into Ferrari
Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has opened up about the unexpected challenges he’s faced during his transition to Ferrari — and it’s not just about adjusting to the new car. In a candid interview this week, Hamilton revealed that adapting to Italian food culture has been more difficult than he anticipated.
The British driver, who shocked the motorsport world last year by announcing his move from Mercedes to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 season, said he’s still finding his rhythm — both on the track and at the dinner table.
“Don’t get me wrong, I love Italian food,” Hamilton told reporters ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. “But when you’re used to a very specific diet and routine for over a decade, even pasta becomes something you have to plan around.”
Hamilton, known for his strict plant-based diet and meticulous attention to his nutrition, explained that the Italian cuisine, rich in cheese, meat, and refined carbohydrates, has required some tweaking to suit his performance needs.
“In the UK or with Mercedes, I had everything dialed in. My chefs, my nutritionists — we’d perfected my meals down to the gram. Here, it’s different. The food is beautiful, but I’ve had to really work closely with the team to keep my regimen in check,” he said.
The 39-year-old is settling into life in Maranello, Ferrari’s historic base, and noted that while the team has been incredibly welcoming, there have been cultural adjustments beyond just food.
“There’s such a passion in Italy for Ferrari. Every person you meet wants to talk about the car, the race, the legacy. It’s inspiring — but also intense,” Hamilton said.
That intensity extends to every corner of the Ferrari operation. As he works closely with engineers to develop the SF-25 — Ferrari’s 2025 contender — Hamilton is also bridging the gap between his own racing philosophy and Ferrari’s traditional approach.
“I bring a different energy, a different way of working. It’s a balancing act — respecting their legacy while pushing for the innovation I believe in,” he explained.
Despite the dietary hiccups and the cultural shifts, Hamilton is optimistic about his future with Ferrari. Though the first few races of the season have delivered mixed results, with podium finishes eluding him so far, he remains focused on the long-term goal: bringing a championship back to Maranello.
“It’s early days,” he said. “No one expected miracles in race one. This is about building something. It’s about patience, hard work, and belief.”
Teammate Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019, has praised Hamilton’s attitude and work ethic. “Lewis brings so much experience. He’s not just fast — he’s strategic. We’re learning from each other, and that’s only going to help the team,” Leclerc commented.
Hamilton’s transition comes at a time of change for Ferrari as a whole, with new technical leadership and renewed focus on competing with Red Bull and McLaren, the dominant forces in recent seasons.
Off the track, Hamilton has also embraced aspects of Italian life — just not always the menu. “I’ve fallen in love with the countryside, the people, the architecture. I’ve even picked up a bit of Italian,” he said, smiling. “But let’s just say I’m still figuring out how to say ‘no cheese’ at a restaurant without getting weird looks.”
As the F1 circus heads into Europe’s summer stretch, Hamilton knows the scrutiny will only increase. Still, he seems prepared for the challenge — both as an athlete and as a man navigating a new chapter.
“It’s a journey,” he said. “And like any journey, there are bumps along the way — but also some pretty incredible.
