Lewis Hamilton made a notable change by arriving at the Canadian Grand Prix aboard a Ducati Panigale V4, showcasing his passion for motorcycles ahead of the race at the Gilles Villeneuve Circuit. This unexpected choice marks a departure from his typical appearances and highlights Hamilton rides Ducati Panigale V4 in Canada with a distinct flair.
Hamilton’s Shift to Ducati for the Canadian Event
The seven-time Formula 1 World Champion surprised fans by opting for a Ducati Panigale V4 S to reach the circuit, switching from two previous appearances riding MV Agusta motorcycles at other events. Unlike the special-edition MV Agusta F4 LH44 he used at the Monaco Grand Prix, in Canada Hamilton was seen on the 1103cc Ducati, which boasts 216bhp and 120.9Nm of torque at 11,250rpm, placing it among the top sportsbikes available.
Hamilton’s choice to ride a Ducati emblazoned with decals from the Montreal dealership marks a relaxation in his usual brand commitments. Previously, his MV Agusta ride was linked to his former Formula 1 team, AMG, which held a stake in the motorcycle manufacturer. Currently, Hamilton races for Ferrari, a team without direct motorcycle manufacturer ties, unlike his past associations.
The Italian Connection and Future Prospects
Ducati and Ferrari share a strong Italian heritage and are icons of high-performance engineering, with Ducati currently dominating the MotoGP World Championship, led by Marc Marquez. Nevertheless, it is unlikely Hamilton will continue riding a Ducati at F1 race weekends beyond 2025, as Audi—the parent company of Ducati—is preparing to enter Formula 1 with its own team next season.
This appearance underlines Hamilton’s long-standing connection to motorcycle sport. In 2019, he famously swapped rides with Valentino Rossi, taking laps on the Yamaha M1 while Rossi tried out the Mercedes W08 Formula 1 car. This exchange exemplifies Hamilton’s enthusiasm for two-wheeled racing as a complement to his F1 career.
Hamilton’s Expanding Role in Motorsport Investment
Beyond his on-track exploits, Hamilton has shown interest in investing in motorcycle racing ventures. He has been linked with potential financial involvement in prominent teams like Gresini Racing and KTM, signaling his desire to have a future role off the track in MotoGP. Such investments would further deepen his ties to the motorcycle racing world and broaden his sporting portfolio.
