F1 CEO issues ‘essential’ Ferrari advice to Hamilton

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has revealed the “essential” advice he gave to Lewis Hamilton ahead of his switch to Ferrari.

Hamilton contended his final race in Mercedes colours earlier this month, bringing an end to his highly successful stint with the team.

The 39-year-old won six F1 titles as a Mercedes driver, forming the most successful driver-team pairing in the sport's history.

However, Hamilton will commence a new chapter of his career in 2025 when he links up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.

With the team being a proud Italian organisation, Domenicali revealed Hamilton is currently learning to speak the country's language as he seeks to embed himself in the culture.

“He will bring great interest," Domenicali said, as quoted by AutoRacer. "He is learning to speak Italian and understand how to integrate into our culture.

“I told him, it is also essential for him to be able to do this. In Ferrari, he will find a different environment than before." 

Hamilton will become Leclerc's third team-mate at Ferrari following stints alongside Sebastian Vettel and Carlos Sainz.

The Monégasque driver has outlined on numerous occasions the excitement he has when it comes to learning from Hamilton.

Domenicali, who worked as the team principal at Ferrari before his role with F1, has backed Hamilton to push Ferrari forward as he voiced hope the new driver line-up will maintain respect for one another by the end of the year.

“Charles will, of course, have to accept that someone like Lewis is not an easy team-mate,” Domenicali said.

“Lewis will definitely have the ability to convey his positivity in his efforts to achieve his record.

“They respect each other a lot, and I hope they will continue to do so at the end of the year.”