Lewis Hamilton has admitted that he is finding learning Italian ‘difficult’, but is enjoying the extra opportunities that living within the close vicinity of the Maranello factory is presenting.
The seven-time world champion spent his entire motorsport career working with British constructors prior to 2025, with iconic stints with both McLaren and Mercedes. However, following his switch to Ferrari, Hamilton moved to Maranello and, therefore, needed to learn a new language.
In an honest and frank interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Hamilton explained: “My dream has always been to learn another language, but being English, it is often more difficult for us to do so because we are not obliged.
“However, I want to let people know that I am interested, that I am really willing to do anything to integrate here. It’s difficult, but I like being in the factory in Maranello because I can practice every day.”
In learning Italian, Hamilton has heeded the advice of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali. The former Ferrari chief suggested that the former McLaren and Mercedes driver must work tirelessly to integrate into the Italian culture if his career with the Scuderia is to be a success.
“He is learning to speak Italian and to understand how to integrate into our culture,” he told Autoracer last year. “I told him it is fundamental for him to be able to do this as well. In Ferrari, he will find a different environment than before.”
Hamilton has acted on Domenicali’s advice and is embracing the challenge. After the SF-25 was launched in front of fans at the Fiorano test circuit on Wednesday, the 40-year-old gave an interview to Sky Sports Italy in Italian, offering some short answers in his new language.
The language is not the only aspect of Italian culture that Hamilton is assimilating into. The Brit has also been enjoying the local cuisine, and was pictured with Charles Leclerc in a local Maranello restaurant after Wednesday’s shakedown.
“I love Italian food, I’ve always loved it,” he continued. “When I came to Italy for the first time to race go-karts when I was 13 years old, and with Nico [Rosberg], we would go out every night to eat gelato.
“And then I still remember that once I had an incredible lasagna made by the mother of my first mechanic’s wife. I remember it after all these years. At the moment, however, I am eating quite a bit of pizza; last week, I had three.”
