Schumi, Italy and this red: Hamilton raves about Ferrari

For the first time since his announced move to Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton spoke in detail about the big Formula 1 blow this Friday. He explains his feelings for the traditional racing team, what role Michael Schumacher played and what his knowledge of Italian is like.

23. February 2024

From: dpa

Michael Schumacher's successful time at Scuderia also played an important role in Lewis Hamilton's spectacular Formula 1 switch to Ferrari in 2025. “I saw it as a big challenge,” said the Englishman on Friday during the test drives in Bahrain, saying that he had driven Schumacher’s Ferrari in a computer game as a child. “It’s definitely a dream and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of this season and then move to Ferrari. The 39-year-old Brit signed a multi-year contract with the Italians. Like Schumacher, who shaped a title era at Ferrari between 1996 and 2006, he won the World Cup seven times. Hamilton wants to secure the sole record by the end of his career.

“I felt it was time to start a new chapter,” said Hamilton about his departure from Mercedes, where he succeeded Schumacher in 2013.

“When you see a sea of red Ferrari fans, you can’t help but be in awe.” Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari has a special appeal. “When you go to the Italian Grand Prix and see a sea of red Ferrari fans, you can only witness it in awe.” Hamilton has never been to the Ferrari mecca of Maranello because “as a Mercedes driver I found it inappropriate,” but he did He's looking forward to a visit.

Hamilton's knowledge of Italian

Hamilton doesn't speak Italian. “In all these years I haven't managed to learn another language. But of course I will definitely try,” he said. “I remember when I was karting in Italy I was able to pick up a few sentences. I hope I get it back on track quickly.”