Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari action which ‘Schumacher was never liked’ for

After speaking Italian in a speech to his Ferrari colleagues, Lewis Hamilton has done something which Michael Schumacher allegedly avoided.

That claim comes from respected F1 correspondent José M. Zapico, who stated that a reluctance from Schumacher to speak Italian meant that he “was never liked” in Ferrari’s home nation.

Lewis Hamilton’s speech at Ferrari has sparked claims that Michael Schumacher was “never liked in Italy.”

Hamilton, a record-equalling seven-time World Champion and winner of 105 grands prix, has made the blockbuster move from Mercedes to Ferrari, where Schumacher became an F1 icon. As he takes his first steps into Ferrari life, Hamilton is looking to surpass Schumacher with a record-breaking eighth title.

Embracing Ferrari’s culture, Hamilton delivered a speech in Italian to team personnel at their Maranello base, standing alongside new teammate Charles Leclerc and team principal Fred Vasseur.

Translated into English, Hamilton’s message to his Ferrari colleagues was:

“Hello everyone. Thank you for your warm welcome. I am happy to start this new adventure with you at Ferrari.”

has always been my dream to be part of this team. I can’t wait to work with you.

“Thank you.”

According to Zapico, Hamilton has embraced a challenge which Schumacher was reluctant to at Ferrari, to the detriment of his popularity at the time.

Schumacher won his first two World titles with Benetton in 1994 and 1995 before joining Ferrari from the following season. After luring Benetton designer Rory Byrne and technical director Ross Brawn to Ferrari, the team went on a run of six straight Constructors’ title wins between 1999-2004, Schumacher winning five consecutive Drivers’ Championships in that time.