Vettel's Key Advice to Hamilton After Ferrari Move: Learn Italian
Sebastian Vettel shared vital advice with Lewis Hamilton after his Ferrari move, emphasizing the importance of learning Italian to fully integrate into the team's culture. Vettel, reflecting on his own Ferrari tenure, admitted his regret for not mastering the language, which he believes is crucial for connecting with the team beyond just basic communication. This cultural immersion is seen as key for Hamilton, who has had a challenging start with Ferrari, highlighting that success at Maranello extends beyond track performance.
Sebastian Vettel has revealed the crucial piece of advice he gave Lewis Hamilton following the British driver's high-profile move to Scuderia Ferrari: immerse himself in the Italian language and culture.
Why it matters:
Lewis Hamilton's transition to Ferrari marks one of the most significant driver transfers in recent F1 history. As he navigates this new chapter, understanding the unique cultural nuances of the Maranello-based team is paramount, as emphasized by former Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel. Hamilton's success will hinge not only on technical performance but also on his ability to integrate deeply with the team's Italian identity, a factor that Vettel admits he personally underestimated during his own tenure.
The Details:
- Speaking on the F1 Beyond the Grid podcast, Vettel recounted his conversation with Hamilton, stressing the importance of learning Italian.
- Vettel highlighted that while English is spoken, many team members might not be fully proficient, leading to potential communication gaps and a disconnect from the core culture.
- Vettel's Regret: Reflecting on his own time at Ferrari, Vettel admitted that not mastering Italian was a "crucial mistake." He took classes and understood the language but wasn't "perfect," wishing he had dedicated more time to truly integrate into the culture.
- He believes that a deep understanding of the language is essential to truly "get the people" and the culture, beyond just getting along.
- Hamilton's Challenging Start: Hamilton has faced a difficult beginning at Ferrari, currently without a podium finish in 22 races with the team. He recently described the current season as the "toughest of his career" after a challenging Las Vegas Grand Prix.
The Big Picture:
Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari is more than just a change of teams; it's a deep dive into a new environment with a rich history and distinct culture. Vettel's advice underscores that a driver's success at Ferrari extends beyond on-track performance and technical understanding. It requires a genuine connection with the team's heart and soul, which is inherently Italian. This cultural immersion can be a significant differentiator, influencing team morale, collaboration, and ultimately, results.
What's next:
Former Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has voiced concerns that Ferrari risks losing Hamilton if the 2026 car isn't competitive, suggesting Hamilton is already frustrated. Vettel's advice provides a long-term perspective, indicating that while car performance is critical, cultural integration could also play a significant role in Hamilton's morale and longevity at Ferrari. Whether Hamilton fully embraces Vettel's counsel on language and culture could be a subtle yet powerful determinant of his future success and his ability to reinvigorate the Scuderia.