A Ferrari enthusiast faced a backlash on social media and was penalised by the authorities after they were caught on camera chopping down a tree to secure a better view of Lewis Hamilton testing his 2025 Formula 1 car.
The seven-time world champion took to the track at Fiorano for a shakedown in his debut Ferrari vehicle, drawing legions of Italian supporters eager to catch a glimpse of the action.
However, one fan’s determination to improve their line of sight led them to extreme measures, as they were recorded sawing through a small tree, an act that quickly ignited fury online.
The local police force in Fiorano Modenese didn’t take kindly to the fan’s destructive behaviour, issuing a fine for “damaging nature in a public place”.
The video that surfaced on the internet showed a crowd of Ferrari fans applauding the tree’s fall, which cleared the way for an unobstructed view of the track, but this clip prompted widespread criticism, with the participants being labelled “idiots”.
One incensed spectator commented: “Cutting down a tree doesn’t register as something to cheer for any more. I hope they planted 10 in its place somewhere else.”
Another expressed dismay, remarking: “I understand Tifosi are die-hard fans, but this is out of hand. That tree was there for however long and wasn’t a problem until now. Hopefully they plant a new one.”
A third chimed in, suggesting: “I’m sure Lewis Hamilton wouldn’t approve of this.”
The seven-time F1 champion, known for his deep appreciation of the natural world, likely wouldn’t condone the actions of an overly eager fan. Nonetheless, he’s surely eager to see the Tifosi – Ferrari’s supporters – maintain the same level of enthusiasm and passion that has greeted him in the first phase of his stint with the Italian racing giants.
Reflecting on his initial experiences with Ferrari, he shared: “I knew that I would see the Tifosi on the bridge and I was like, ‘Where is the bridge? What bridge are they talking about? ‘ And then finally I get to Turn 1 and see them down there, so that was amazing to see.”
With excitement building, Hamilton is set to debut for Ferrari at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix next month. He’ll feel the thrill of racing in Italy before the home crowd for the first time during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola come May. Then, looking forward to the pinnacle of the domestic calendar, he’ll partake in the iconic Italian Grand Prix at Monza in early September.
This article originally appeared on Mirror
