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Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari has quickly taken a turn for the worse, as the British driver begins to feel the heat from the ever-critical Italian media, evoking memories of similar tensions faced by past Ferrari stars. Though the 2024 Formula One season will be remembered for McLaren’s historic constructors’ title win—ending a 26-year drought—and Max Verstappen joining an elite group with his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship, Hamilton’s separation from Mercedes and subsequent transition to Ferrari has remained a constant subplot.
Upon his arrival in Maranello, Hamilton was greeted with a hero’s welcome. Ferrari organized a grand fanfare, and such was the buzz surrounding his debut that local authorities declared a ‘state of emergency,’ calling in reinforcements from neighboring regions to manage the crowds eager to catch a glimpse of the team’s newest star. Dressed in a stylish navy striped three-piece suit by luxury Italian brand Ferragamo, Hamilton made a striking first impression. Mercedes boss Toto Wolff jokingly remarked that after twelve years with the Silver Arrows, Lewis had always resisted wearing a suit, only to arrive at Ferrari perfectly tailored on his first day.
However, behind the scenes, the adjustment to Ferrari’s culture has not been seamless for the seven-time world champion. Throughout his career, Hamilton has typically held the top position within his teams. Even during his debut season with McLaren, he famously went toe-to-toe with then-double world champion Fernando Alonso. While his rivalry with Nico Rosberg at Mercedes was more balanced, Hamilton eventually solidified his status as the team’s centerpiece, even challenging team management in public when he saw fit.
Mercedes, despite its dominance in the modern era of Formula One, is relatively new in historical terms. Its involvement in F1 as a works team dates back to the 1950s, but it withdrew from motorsport following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, which claimed the lives of over 80 spectators. The brand only returned full-time in the 2010s, building a slick, corporate-style operation that suited Hamilton’s preferences and personality.
In contrast, Ferrari operates with a completely different ethos. As the oldest and most storied team in Formula One, Ferrari’s presence dates back to the sport’s very first race at Silverstone in 1950. The Scuderia has accumulated more wins than any other team and is the only constructor to have participated in every F1 season. Deeply rooted in tradition, Ferrari’s operations are still heavily influenced by the legacy of its founder, Enzo Ferrari.
Enzo’s philosophy continues to define life in Maranello. One of the most iconic mantras—“Not a single person is bigger than Ferrari”—is ingrained in the team’s DNA. Former driver Sebastian Vettel once shared with Der Spiegel how even the most junior engineers are reminded of this motto. This cultural expectation is a stark contrast for Hamilton, who has enjoyed a more individualistic role throughout his career.
Now under the microscope of Italy’s demanding press and working within a culture where the team always comes before the driver, Hamilton’s journey with Ferrari is shaping up to be far more challenging than he may have anticipated. While the tifosi still hold hope that Hamilton can end their long title drought, the early signs suggest the path ahead may be more complex than the ceremonial welcome first promised.
