Piero Ferrari, son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari, recently reflected on the Ferrari debuts of two of F1’s greatest—Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton.
Schumacher and Hamilton are forever linked in F1 history, both sitting at the top with seven world titles. Now, their stories connect even more with Hamilton joining Ferrari, the team Schumacher helped bring back to glory.
Back in 1996, Schumacher arrived at Maranello as a two-time world champion, stepping into a Ferrari team that was desperate to return to winning ways. Speaking to Autosprint, Piero Ferrari pointed out how different things were back then.
“The situation was different. He had just won two world championships, and there was a lot of pressure.”
Many saw Schumacher as cold and distant, but those who really knew him saw another side.
“With those who knew him closely, he was very friendly,” Piero said. “I’ve always had a friendly relationship with him that has lasted over the years.”
At the time, Ferrari hadn’t won a Drivers’ Championship since 1979. Schumacher didn’t just step into a competitive car—he had to help rebuild the team from the ground up. His first title in red didn’t come until 2000, but once it did, he kicked off a legendary five-year streak.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari, though, is a whole different story. At 40 years old, he’s already won his seven titles with McLaren and Mercedes. Unlike Schumacher in ‘96, he’s not coming in at his peak. But just like back then, Ferrari is still chasing a long-overdue title—the last one coming in 2007 with Kimi Räikkönen.
That said, today’s Ferrari is in way better shape than Schumacher’s was. In 2024, they won five races and finished just 14 points off the Constructors’ title.
Hamilton’s First Day at Fiorano – A Moment to Remember
When Hamilton arrived in Maranello for the first time as a Ferrari driver, the atmosphere was electric. On January 22, he took his first laps around the Fiorano test track, and hundreds of Tifosi showed up to witness the moment.
Piero Ferrari was stunned by the outpouring of love.
“I almost couldn’t believe it! The passion was incredible,” he said. “People stood on the little bridge overlooking Fiorano, packed the cycle path… it was a true demonstration of love. Beautiful.”
He personally greeted Hamilton as soon as he arrived and said the British driver was clearly moved by the warm welcome.
“He had seen the fans waiting for him from the car windows, and he was happy, surprised.”
And then, of course, social media exploded. Hamilton’s first official photo as a Ferrari driver—standing outside Enzo Ferrari’s legendary headquarters—instantly went viral. Dressed in a double-breasted Ferragamo overcoat, a sharp pinstripe suit, and Louboutin boots, he made quite the entrance.
Even Piero Ferrari took notice.
“From the way he presented himself… I don’t remember other drivers being so elegant on their first day at Ferrari. An impeccable suit, a tie… Meanwhile, we managers weren’t even wearing ties!” he joked.
Hamilton’s Ferrari era has officially begun. And if his arrival is anything to go by, this chapter in F1 history is going to be special.
