Lewis Hamilton reveals police officer encounter in victorious Ferrari return

Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a police officer he encountered upon landing in Italy was the first Italian he met after winning the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix.

The seven-time world champion returned to Maranello a few days after claiming his first victory as a Ferrari driver, representing the Scuderia's first win since the 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Hamilton has thrust himself into title contention following a remarkable run of form, which has seen him finish second, second and first in the last three rounds.

Ferrari has made huge strides over the opening races of the new power unit era, generating belief in Italy that something special could be on the cards.

Winning in red was a childhood dream for Hamilton, which he has now turned into reality, with both the police officer he encountered and the staff at immigration control delighted by his victory.

Despite all the positive reactions he has received in Italy, the 41-year-old knows the Maranello-based outfit must remain grounded and keep pushing forward.

Asked what it was like returning to Maranello after winning in Barcelona, Hamilton told select media, including RacingNews365: "I was at Maranello on Thursday and Friday for events there. 

"As soon as I landed at the airport, I saw how important it was to the police officer and then to immigration, and how happy they were. They were the first Italians I saw when I landed.

"Then, when I got to the track and into the factory, seeing how happy everybody was really stood out. There's definitely a really great... I think there's always been good energy in the team, but it felt even stronger, for sure.

"But, as you've heard Fred [Vasseur] say, we also have to come back down and get back to doing our jobs, back to our desks, and channel that positive energy into our work. I think that's what everyone's trying to do."