Ferrari Team Principal Addresses Lewis Hamilton’s Adjustment to Italian Food and Culture

Ferrari team principal, Fred Vasseur, playfully dismissed concerns about seven-time Formula 1 champion Lewis Hamilton’s adaptation to the team, particularly in regards to the local Italian cuisine. The British driver is making a move to the Maranello outfit after a 12-year tenure with Mercedes, and this shift brings changes in powertrain, language, and processes. However, one difference that Vasseur found amusing was the transition from English to Italian food.

Vasseur’s Take on Hamilton’s Adaptation to Italian Food

During a media interaction, including Motorsport.com, Vasseur expressed his confidence that Hamilton would not find it challenging to adapt to Italian cuisine. He humorously stated, “I’m not sure that it’s a drama to adapt yourself to the Italian food when you are coming from the UK.”

The 40-year-old driver compared his first race with Ferrari, the Australian Grand Prix, to his F1 debut with McLaren in 2007. He expressed his excitement about this new opportunity, stating, “I’m very, very fortunate. I’ve had this amazing career here in Formula One, and starting with here in 2007 was an epic feeling, and then starting with a new team again with Mercedes was again, incredibly special. I think this is very reminiscent probably of my first year.”

Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel, Hamilton’s former rival, also shared his thoughts on the significant change that the move from Mercedes to Ferrari would bring for the Brit. He explained, “It’s big. Anybody who changes team, it’s a big move. New people you work with is probably the biggest one. It’s a different culture. Obviously most of the teams are English, only two are Italian. That’s probably the biggest shift.”

Vettel reminisced about his childhood admiration for Michael Schumacher and the red Ferrari, expressing that the change might feel different for Hamilton, who may not have shared the same dream. He concluded, “I think it’s special for anyone who gets the chance to step into the red car.”

Photos from Australian GP – Free Practice