Vettel's Advice to Hamilton: "Learn the Language"
Sebastian Vettel has revealed the single most important piece of advice he shared with Lewis Hamilton following the seven-time world champion's high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. With Hamilton's move generating immense excitement and expectations, Vettel, who himself drove for Ferrari from 2015 to 2020, emphasized the critical role of understanding the Italian language and culture for success within the iconic Italian team.
Speaking on the "Beyond the Grid" podcast, Vettel reflected on his own experiences at Maranello, admitting that not fully mastering the Italian language was a "crucial mistake". While he took Italian classes and could communicate, he felt he never truly grasped the nuances of the culture. "The heart and culture of the team is Italian," Vettel explained. He noted that while English is widely spoken within the team, many employees may not speak it fluently or at all. This can create a barrier to deeper connections and understanding, which Vettel believes are essential for integrating into the Ferrari family.
Therefore, Vettel's advice to Hamilton was straightforward: "The only advice I can give you, the best advice, is learn the language, learn it really, really well". He believes that truly understanding the language will allow Hamilton to better connect with team members, understand the culture, and ultimately, contribute more effectively to the team's success.
Hamilton's move to Ferrari comes after the team narrowly missed out on the 2024 Constructors' Championship, losing to McLaren. Hamilton, despite securing two victories, was coming off what he considered his worst season in F1. Vettel, having battled Hamilton for championships during his own time at Ferrari, knows firsthand the challenges that Hamilton will face. Vettel secured 14 race victories with Ferrari but ultimately fell short of adding to his four world titles, losing out to Hamilton in the intense 2017 and 2018 seasons.
Vettel's advice highlights the unique cultural aspect of Ferrari. Unlike many other F1 teams with a more international makeup, Ferrari retains a distinctly Italian identity. This cultural element can be a significant factor for drivers transitioning to the team.
Hamilton himself acknowledged the importance of adapting to a new environment. Following his first test with Ferrari in January 2025, he expressed excitement and emphasized the need to adapt to the car and the team. He also indicated that he would seek guidance from Vettel after settling in. "Sebastian is a true friend," Hamilton stated, acknowledging Vettel's experience with the team.
Vettel's counsel to Hamilton underscores that excelling at Ferrari requires more than just driving skill; it demands a genuine effort to embrace the team's culture and connect with its people. Mastering the Italian language, in Vettel's view, is the key to unlocking that connection and maximizing Hamilton's potential with the Scuderia.
