Vettel's Crucial Advice for Hamilton at Ferrari: Learn Italian

Sebastian Vettel has revealed the key advice he gave Lewis Hamilton ahead of his blockbuster move to Ferrari: learn Italian. Vettel, who spent six seasons at Maranello, believes mastering the language is crucial for truly understanding the team's culture and spirit, a mistake he now regrets from his own tenure. He stressed that while English is the working language, a genuine connection with the Scuderia requires deeper cultural immersion that only language can provide.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's move to Ferrari is one of the most significant driver transfers in modern F1 history, and his success will depend on more than just raw driving talent. Ferrari's "heart and culture" is inherently Italian, and a disconnect between the superstar driver and the team's core identity could hinder performance and morale. Vettel's insight, born from his own challenging yet often successful stint, offers a valuable roadmap for Hamilton to avoid the same pitfalls and maximize his potential at the Scuderia.

The details:

• Vettel's Core Message: "The only advice I can give you... is learn the language. Learn it really, really well." He believes this is the key to unlocking the culture and spirit of the team beyond just technical conversations.
• A Personal Regret: Vettel admitted, "I think that's a crucial mistake that I've done... I should have really studied Italian more." He feels he didn't immerse himself enough in the culture during his 2015-2020 tenure.
• Beyond the Garage: Vettel clarified that while set-up talk can happen in English, truly understanding the people and the environment requires speaking their language. "Do you really get the people? And do you get the culture?" he questioned.
• Hamilton's Progress: The seven-time champion has admitted his Italian is "not great," stating his studies have "fallen off a cliff" due to a hectic season, though he still dreams of moving to Italy and speaking fluently.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Hamilton's integration into Ferrari as the 2025 season approaches. His commitment to learning Italian will be seen as a litmus test for his dedication to the team's long-term project. If he heeds Vettel's advice, it could be the deciding factor that transforms his high-profile move from a sensational transfer into a legendary championship challenge.