Confronted with the response of Ferrari followers who gathered at daybreak across the Fiorano circuit regardless of less-than-ideal climate situations, the primary query that arose was about precedents. Wanting again on the historical past of the Scuderia, reminiscences of the “firsts” of nice names arriving at Maranello have been rekindled—drivers who donned the pink swimsuit after establishing themselves. Nigel Mansell’s debut, Michael Schumacher’s, and Sebastian Vettel’s—all happened at Fiorano, in a singular setting etched endlessly of their reminiscences.
Folks typically speak about drivers as being cynical, raised in an surroundings targeted solely on numbers and outcomes. But, conversations with Sebastian Vettel or, extra just lately, Carlos Sainz affirm that the primary lap at Fiorano is branded of their minds as vividly, if no more so, than their first victory in pink.
It’s an expertise that resonates deeply, as all describe the identical scene: the Prancing Horse on the steering wheel, the small storage doorways opening, and the monitor they’d solely seen in movies and pictures materializing earlier than them—a certification of changing into a Scuderia Ferrari driver.
Lewis Hamilton wasn’t significantly fortunate with the climate, however as soon as he left the storage, he skilled the Grand Prix environment surrounding the monitor. Such a reception wasn’t assured—definitely not in these numbers and beneath these situations. What unfolded at dawn on the Fiorano circuit exceeded even the expectations of Lewis’s most ardent followers and people of the Scuderia.
One other facet made the day much more particular: its worldwide impression. The presence of Ferrari followers trackside was anticipated, however much less so was the turnout of overseas media mingling with supporters to seize the distinctive environment of this extraordinary day.
Probably the most profitable driver and crew in Method 1 historical past formalizing their union is a giant deal. But the momentum, constructing since final Monday when Lewis took his first steps into the Ferrari Racing Division, has been outstanding.
International curiosity, plentiful enthusiasm, and one discordant word: a British media consultant’s irony concerning the outfit Lewis wore to Maranello. A disgrace, as a result of the story behind Hamilton’s apparel that Monday was actual—it simply wanted to be uncovered.
Delving into books and watching footage of Ferrari’s historical past, Lewis was struck by the class of Enzo Ferrari, typically photographed in a coat, jacket, and tie. Hamilton wished to pay tribute to the enduring model of the founder, exhibiting respect for the place he was visiting for the primary time.
There’ll inevitably be those that frown upon Hamilton’s method, evaluating it to that of previous drivers. Nevertheless it doesn’t matter—there’s no single option to present respect for a determine, a spot, or a legend. The “Commendatore”-style coat carried a transparent message: I do know the place I’m, I’ve learn this historical past, and I hope to write down new chapters collectively.
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