Formula 1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc are well-known for their intense competition on the track, but a recent fan Q&A session revealed a more playful side to their relationship. During a live interaction held in collaboration with IBM, the two Ferrari drivers engaged in a spontaneous discussion about nicknames, offering fans a rare glimpse into their personalities beyond racing.
Despite nearly 20 years in the sport, Hamilton made it clear that he still maintains firm personal boundaries, especially when it comes to what he allows around his own nickname.
A Playful Question Sparks an Unexpected Reaction
The exchange originated when Leclerc highlighted a fan question about Ferrari’s team principal, Fred Vasseur, who casually calls Hamilton “Lulu.” With a smile, Leclerc asked,
“If Fred calls Lewis ‘Lulu,’ what does Lewis call Fred?”
Hamilton’s reply was immediate and definitive.
“The only person who gets to call me ‘Lou’ is my mom,”
he said, setting a clear personal boundary while lightening the mood with humor. The answer drew laughter and made it unmistakably obvious how Hamilton draws the line on certain nicknames.
Leclerc Responds with a Witty Comeback
Not missing a beat, Leclerc quickly joked back, saying,
“I will call him ‘Fifi’ from now on.”
This playful banter highlighted the growing camaraderie between the two teammates, who fans are eager to watch as Hamilton adapts to his new environment at Ferrari’s Maranello base.
This lighthearted interaction showcases the relaxed chemistry between Hamilton and Leclerc, offering a contrast to their usual track battles and underscoring the camaraderie that exists alongside competition in Formula 1.
Emerging Dynamics Shine Through Off-Track Moments
Such candid moments between Ferrari’s drivers are becoming more common as the team embraces fan engagement and leverages partner collaborations like the one with IBM. Leclerc’s quick wit shines through, while Hamilton’s authenticity remains a defining part of his presence in the sport, whether he is contending for victories, settling into a new team, or simply connecting with fans.
As Ferrari moves into the next phase of its rebuilding efforts, these personal exchanges allow fans to form a deeper connection with the team, humanizing the drivers and strengthening Ferrari’s evolving identity beyond the racetrack, one nickname and one laugh at a time.
Lewis and Charles answering some fan questions with IBM. Charles: “If Fred calls Lewis ‘Lulu’. What does Lewis call Fred?” Lewis: “The only person who gets to call me Lew, is my mom.” Charles: “I will call him ‘Fifi’ from now on.” — sin ⁴⁴ (@44britcedes)
Lewis and Charles answering some fan questions with IBM.
Charles: “If Fred calls Lewis “Lulu”. What does Lewis call Fred?”
Lewis: “The only person who gets to call me Lew, is my mom.”
Charles: “I will call him “Fifi” from now on.” pic.twitter.com/RTdXlznXBn
— sin ⁴⁴ (@44britcedes) January 13, 2026
