Lewis Hamilton Battles Italian Food Temptations as He S…read more
Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited move to Ferrari has brought both excitement and challenges for the seven-time Formula 1 world champion. Since joining the legendary Italian team in January, Hamilton has been adapting to his new environment in Maranello, Italy, the spiritual home of Ferrari. While the Briton still resides in Monaco, like many F1 drivers, he now spends a significant amount of time in northern Italy as part of his commitment to his new team. Although Hamilton is thrilled about achieving his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari, he has admitted that not everything has gone smoothly—especially when it comes to resisting Italy’s famously irresistible cuisine.
Hamilton, who follows a strict plant-based diet, opened up during the Miami Grand Prix about his fondness for Italian food, admitting that it has been difficult to maintain dietary discipline in the face of Italy’s culinary temptations. “Yeah, I love it,” Hamilton told reporters. “Trying to stay off the pizzas and the pasta, which I’m not doing very well with if I’m honest.” He then humorously recounted how he had indulged in three pizzas over the course of just two days while staying in Maranello. “I have my hookup – he keeps bringing me a pizza. I text him late after the day and I’m like: ‘Hey, can I get a pizza?’ and he keeps bringing me one.”
These candid remarks reveal a lighter, more relatable side of Hamilton, who is often known for his focused and disciplined approach to racing and fitness. Despite his best efforts, even the elite athletes of Formula 1 aren’t immune to the allure of Italian food. However, this challenge with staying off pizza is emblematic of a wider adjustment Hamilton is facing—not just in diet, but also in terms of performance and environment.
On the track, Hamilton’s start with Ferrari has been less than ideal. In the first six Grands Prix of the 2025 season, he has secured only one top-five finish in a main race and currently sits seventh in the drivers’ standings. With just 12 points separating him from his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, Hamilton has struggled to find his rhythm with the new team. More notably, Leclerc has outqualified Hamilton in five out of six races so far, contributing to a growing trend: Hamilton’s qualifying head-to-head over the last two seasons now stands at 24-6 against, following a difficult final year with Mercedes in which George Russell consistently outperformed him in qualifying.
While some critics and former drivers, such as Ralf Schumacher, have speculated that Hamilton might consider ending his Ferrari contract early if the challenges persist, the 40-year-old remains publicly optimistic about his future with the Scuderia. Despite the early difficulties, Hamilton has spoken positively about his decision to join Ferrari, viewing it as a long-term project rather than a quick fix. He remains committed to bringing success to the most storied team in Formula 1 history and is clearly invested in building a strong partnership within the team.
Part of Hamilton’s optimism comes from the anticipated 2026 regulation changes, which promise a major overhaul in the technical framework of F1. These changes could dramatically shift the current competitive landscape, potentially leveling the playing field and giving Ferrari—and Hamilton—a better chance to compete at the front. For a driver chasing a record-breaking eighth world championship title, these changes could represent the perfect opportunity to return to winning ways.
Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is just beginning, and while the results on track have yet to match the hype surrounding his move, there is still time for things to turn around. His openness about the challenges he’s facing, both in performance and in adapting to the Italian lifestyle, shows a human side to a driver often viewed as a polished, media-savvy icon. The pizza jokes may seem trivial, but they reflect a broader reality: even the greatest champions face moments of vulnerability when stepping into new territory.
For now, Hamilton continues to fight on both the track and at the dinner table, determined to make his dream of succeeding with Ferrari a reality—pizza cravings and all.
