Former Scuderia Ferrari driver Sebastian Vettel has revealed the essential guidance he shared with Lewis Hamilton regarding Hamilton’s upcoming transition to the Italian team for the 2025 Formula 1 season. With the focus keyword, Lewis Hamilton Ferrari transition advice, Vettel’s perspective centers on the importance of language and cultural integration as pivotal elements for a successful stint at Ferrari.
Reflecting on His Time at Ferrari
Vettel, who competed for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020 and achieved notable success, reflected on his own experience adjusting to the Maranello-based team after his tenure with Red Bull in England and Toro Rosso. Despite twice finishing as runner-up to Hamilton in the championship, Vettel is remembered as one of Ferrari’s top drivers by grand prix victories. He noted the unique challenge facing drivers who move from English-speaking squads to the Italian-rooted Ferrari, stressing the significance of deeply engaging with the team’s culture.
Vettel acknowledged that for Hamilton, the transition from predominantly British teams such as McLaren and Mercedes presents added complexity, considering his entire professional and junior career had been within British or French structures. This makes cultural adaptation a key aspect of the move.
Emphasizing the Role of Language and Adaptation
During a discussion on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Vettel shared his personal journey from Red Bull to Ferrari, describing the change as both substantial and rewarding. He highlighted the particular influence of language barriers, noting that even if English is broadly used, not everyone in the Italian team is fluent. This gap can affect relationships and how fully a driver connects with the spirit of the team.
“The language is English, I mean he understands everybody in the team. But there are also employees that he doesn’t understand because they don’t speak English or they don’t speak English very well, and if you don’t speak a language very well, you get along but do you really get the people? And do you get the culture?”
– Sebastian Vettel, Former Scuderia Ferrari Driver
Vettel openly admitted that mastering the language was something he could have improved during his time at Ferrari. He believed a greater effort in learning Italian and immersing himself in Italian life would have helped him better understand and bond with the team and its culture.
“I think that’s a crucial mistake that I’ve done, looking back,”
– Sebastian Vettel, Former Scuderia Ferrari Driver
He detailed how learning Italian, attending classes, and spending more time in Italy could have created a fuller connection, not only with procedures and communication but also with the team’s ethos and daily life.
Advice Passed On to Hamilton: Mastering Italian Is Fundamental
Addressing Hamilton directly before the latter’s decision to join Ferrari, Vettel strongly advised him to focus on learning Italian as the best way to integrate and absorb the nuances of both the team and the broader culture.
“Now, of course, with racing and when you talk about your set-up and so on, you could argue it’s irrelevant – it is irrelevant, but for the bigger picture, to get the culture and the spirit, it is so important.”
– Sebastian Vettel, Former Scuderia Ferrari Driver
Vettel explained that genuine exposure to the language and people—both inside and outside the paddock—enables drivers to pick up on subtle cues, sentiments, and the character of the organization. He believes that cultural understanding supports team harmony and a deeper commitment, often translating into on-track performance.
Hamilton’s Progress with Italian and Life in Italy
Lewis Hamilton, when asked about his progress in learning Italian during a Peroni event in July, candidly admitted to challenges with keeping up lessons amid a busy season.
“Not great. I started out having lots and lots of lessons, and then the season just got so hectic and I’ve kind of like fallen off a cliff. I need to get back on. I was on like Duolingo, I was doing other stuff; weeks and weeks and weeks I was good at it, and now literally I’ve done nothing for the last couple of months.”
– Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time World Champion
Hamilton expressed a genuine desire to fully immerse himself in Italian culture, aspiring to eventually live in Italy and communicate fluently.
“I really want to move to Italy, but it’s been almost impossible this year. I’m there every week, but my dream is to be able to properly speak Italian.”
– Lewis Hamilton, Seven-Time World Champion
With Hamilton’s career-long association with British teams, the move to Ferrari marks a major shift not only for him personally but for the Formula 1 paddock as a whole. The language and cultural barriers that Vettel discussed now stand in front of Hamilton as both a challenge and an opportunity.
Looking Ahead: Integration Key to Future Success
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari for the 2025 season is set to be one of his most demanding career changes. Vettel’s advice underlines the importance of embracing more than just technical adaptation; understanding the team’s culture through language and daily interaction is crucial. As Hamilton works towards reconnecting with his language studies and exploring life in Italy, the coming season will test how well he adapts to Ferrari’s traditions and ways of working.
The experience shared by Sebastian Vettel, alongside Hamilton’s openness about his language journey, offers a glimpse into the deeper personal and professional adjustments required for a Formula 1 driver moving to Ferrari. The impact of such a move will unfold as Hamilton seeks to cement his own legacy alongside Ferrari’s storied history and vibrant culture.
