Maurizio Arrivabene’s warning to Lewis Hamilton about Ferrari: “It’s not enough to drive it”. Maurizio Arrivabene, praised Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello, but also warned him about what he will face.

After years spent within the Maranello team, Maurizio Arrivabene knows how the internal dynamics of the red team work. Although his time at GeS ended more than 6 years ago, his experience and the internal dynamics have remained more or less the same. For this reason, Maurizio Arrivabene chose to advise Lewis Hamilton on how to behave in his new adventure with Ferrari.

The English champion arrived at Maranello at the beginning of the week that is now ending. Before hitting the track with the SF-23, Hamilton started getting to know the environment of Maranello, among technicians, mechanics, and especially the new facilities. After some sessions in the simulator, the seven-time champion debuted at Fiorano in front of many fans who braved the cold and the gloomy weather.

Maurizio Arrivabene, Ferrari team principal from 2014 to 2018, led Scuderia towards a gradual growth of the team. However, the sudden death of Sergio Marchionne in mid-2018, the guarantor of the Brescia-born manager, put an end to his career at the helm of Scuderia.

Speaking to the Giornale di Brescia, Maurizio Arrivabene revealed that he had been in contact with Hamilton even during his time in charge of Ferrari. “I had thought of him a few years ago as well,” commented the former Ferrari team principal. “I would say that for him, it is a very, very important milestone. He just has to get into the Maranello mentality, a unique team.” – the Italian manager pointed out.

Knowing how the team operates and what is needed to find the right chemistry, Maurizio Arrivabene did not hesitate to advise Hamilton. “He needs to understand that a Ferrari is not just something you drive, you have to love it, and if you can drive it and love it, you can do well, enter the hearts of the fans not only because you are Lewis Hamilton but because you are a great Ferrari fan.”

Advice that, at the moment, Lewis Hamilton seems to be following, with a crowd greeting him upon his arrival in Maranello and also after his debut with the SF-23. A love for the red car that seems to have rekindled his desire to race, driven by the warmth conveyed by the fans, always present in these days in Maranello.