Hamilton Sparks Ferrari Frenzy - Piero Ferrari Awed

Piero Ferrari was stunned by the tifosi’s overwhelming passion as they welcomed Lewis Hamilton, marking a new chapter for Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has energized and ignited passion among the tifosi. Piero Ferrari, son of Enzo and a shareholder in the team, was impressed by the tifosi’s warm reception of their new recruit.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Piero Ferrari told Autosprint. “This genuine passion struck me. People on the small bridge overlooking the Fiorano track, crowding the cycling path—it was a display of love. It’s magnificent!”

The Italian revealed that Hamilton himself seemed surprised by the enthusiastic welcome: “I went to greet him when he set foot in Fiorano, welcoming him. He had seen the fans waiting for him from the car windows and was happy, surprised.”

On the other hand, it was Piero Ferrari who was surprised by Hamilton and his appearance: “I don’t remember any other driver dressing so elegantly for their first day at Ferrari. A flawless suit, a tie, a sketch. We, the managers, for example, didn’t have ties.”

Ferrari also confirmed that the Scuderia had held talks with Hamilton several times in the past regarding a potential collaboration: “Over the years, we had discussions and joked here and there.”

“Several times, he expressed his desire to race with us, but he was tied to Mercedes, and we were committed to our drivers. Then, the moment arrived when Lewis and we saw the opportunity to begin negotiations. And the signing happened.”

Hamilton’s passion for Ferrari has never been a secret, and he has long owned a Ferrari LaFerrari, the hybrid hypercar he personally configured at Maranello at the time.

“The first time he visited us was when he bought the LaFerrari, back in 2014. He spent a lot of time at the factory studying how to customize it. Then, in the evening, he greeted me, and I asked if he wanted to stay for dinner. He was enthusiastic.”

“We talked about cars, but not only that, and I discovered a truly pleasant and exceptional person. We were at the Cavallino restaurant with his dog. He came back several times, mostly speaking with the commercial department.”

Hamilton is still in good shape, and Piero Ferrari has no concerns, especially as he praises the Briton’s experience: “He’s healthy, in good physical and mental shape, and I don’t think age is an issue. He embraced the challenge with great enthusiasm.”

“Seven world titles mean you know how to read races. Lewis brings immense experience to Ferrari, he’s a top-level professional, he knows how to win races, and he has the right drive to try.”