Sebastian Vettel shared his perspectives on the guidance he offered Lewis Hamilton in anticipation of the British driver’s transfer to Ferrari for the upcoming 2025 Formula 1 championship.
Vettel competed with the Scuderia between 2015 and 2020, achieving the status of their third most victorious driver in Grand Prix wins, despite being outdone by Hamilton for the championship on two occasions.
The German driver, who previously drove for the Faenza-headquartered Toro Rosso team from 2007 to 2008 before moving up to Red Bull, believes that mastering the Italian language is crucial for a smooth transition and integration at Maranello.
This point would hold particular significance for Hamilton, considering he spent 18 years driving for British teams McLaren and Mercedes prior to his switch to Ferrari. Even during his junior racing career, Hamilton exclusively competed for the Manor and ASM/ART squads, based in Britain and France, respectively.
When questioned about his personal journey transitioning from Red Bull to Ferrari during an appearance on the Beyond The Grid podcast, Vettel commented: “It was distinct, exceedingly distinct. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have no regrets and experienced a superb period.”
“I adjusted, and I cherished the experience. I appreciate British wit, the British populace, and numerous aspects of it – the competition, the methodology. However, I do believe I found a way to adapt.”
“Now, I wouldn’t suggest Lewis failed to adapt or that British drivers are exempt from adapting – certainly, adaptation is necessary, and naturally, one travels globally, observing and learning – but I’m uncertain how it feels or would have felt if English were my native tongue, and I wasn’t proficient in another language, then relocating elsewhere.”
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF25
Photo by: Erik Junius
“For Lewis, the global lingua franca is, understandably, English, and he was part of a British team; each team varies significantly, and he spent an extensive period with Mercedes. Consequently, his transfer to Ferrari will undoubtedly present a substantial change, given that the team’s core identity and cultural essence are Italian.”
“While the primary language within the team is English, meaning he comprehends everyone, there are also staff members he cannot fully understand because they either don’t speak English or their English proficiency is limited. When one doesn’t speak a language fluently, communication might occur, but does one truly connect with the individuals? And does one genuinely grasp the culture?”
Vettel personally feels he ought to have dedicated more effort to this aspect to ensure his tenure at Ferrari was more fruitful.
“Reflecting, I believe that was a significant error on my part,” he continued. “I did acquire Italian, attending courses, and I managed to communicate and grasp things to an extent, but my proficiency wasn’t absolute. I truly should have devoted more time to studying Italian.”
“Perhaps I also needed to spend more time within Italy itself to genuinely deepen my understanding of the culture – as culture is inherently tied to its people.”
“And prior to his transfer, I communicated with Lewis, stating: ‘The sole piece of counsel I can offer, the most valuable guidance, is to master the language. Learn it exceptionally thoroughly.’”
“To effectively learn a language, one must immerse oneself; therefore, begin conversing with the locals, reside in the nation where the language is spoken, thereby engaging with the culture, and the remaining aspects will subsequently align.”
Sebastian Vettel, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes AMG F1, in the press conference
Photo by: Andrew Hone / Motorsport Images
“Naturally, in the context of racing and discussions concerning vehicle configuration and similar topics, one might contend that language proficiency is immaterial – indeed, it might be. However, for a broader understanding, to fully embrace the culture and ethos, it holds immense significance.”
What about Hamilton’s command of Italian? Posed with this precise query at a Peroni gathering in July, the record seven-time world champion offered a smile before confessing: “Not impressive. I initially commenced with numerous lessons, but then the racing season became incredibly demanding, and I’ve effectively abandoned my studies.
“I must resume my efforts. I was utilizing platforms like Duolingo and engaging in other learning activities; for many consecutive weeks, I maintained diligence, but now, regrettably, I haven’t done anything for the past few months.”
“My true desire is to relocate to Italy, but it has proven nearly unfeasible this year. While I visit weekly, my aspiration is to achieve genuine fluency in Italian.”
Hamilton concluded his inaugural Formula 1 season representing Ferrari by securing sixth position in the drivers’ standings – marking the first occasion he had not achieved a Grand Prix podium finish across an entire championship year.
