Lewis Hamilton and That Black Ferrari: The F1 Champion’s Wish That Maranello Could Not Grant.
A behind-the-scenes look at Sir Lewis’s first days in Red, revealed today in the pages of Autosprint. Because the Prancing Horse will always be an entity unto itself, greater in history and prestige than any racing legend who takes the wheel.
It is still too early to draw a precise overall assessment. Too few checkered flags have been waved, and the SF-25 remains too raw—a blisteringly fast single-seater, but one seemingly plagued by serious teething problems. However, the Shanghai Sprint Race, Lewis Hamilton’s first triumph with Ferrari, may be a prelude to what awaits us.
In those few laps on Saturday, the seven-time world champion showed that his class and determination have not faded at all. The #44 is in Maranello to win, not merely to be a (well-paid) spectator of the Prancing Horse’s history. A clear message, in fact, from his very first steps in Italy and from the now-famous photo taken in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house.
Ferrari Does Not Change Its Nature: The No to Hamilton’s Black F40
Much has been said about that photo, iconic and widely shared on social media. The Briton’s outfit was analyzed from top to bottom, as were his pose and the composition of the shot. The seven open windows behind him did not go unnoticed, with the closed door symbolizing what could be a legendary eighth world title.
However, there was one detail on which Ferrari could not accommodate Lewis Hamilton: the stunning F40, majestically posing next to the champion, was supposed to be black. As revealed by Fulvio Solms in Autosprint, this wish was in full alignment with the Stevenage native’s fight against discrimination.
But the Prancing Horse cannot alter its essence for one of its drivers. “A matter of principle,” reinforcing the philosophy that has always accompanied the Maranello team—greater than any of its drivers.
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