The debut of Lewis Hamilton with the iconic red of Ferrari is drawing closer, and former Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi has made an important statement
It has now been eleven days since Lewis Hamilton officially became a Ferrari driver. It feels like an eternity since February 1, 2024, when Scuderia Ferrari announced the arrival of the seven-time world champion to Maranello.
Naturally, there is great excitement throughout Italy to see one of the most successful drivers in history donning the legendary red of Ferrari. For Italians, Ferrari is almost like a religion, and Emerson Fittipaldi, a Brazilian-born ex-Formula 1 champion with Italian citizenship, understands this sentiment deeply.
Speaking on talkSPORT’s On Track podcast, the 78-year-old said: “Ferrari is finally returning to form, and just imagine Lewis in a Ferrari… On Sundays, Italy will come to a halt to watch Hamilton in red!”
This is an event eagerly awaited not only in Italy but around the world. However, it is particularly evident in Italy that there is a strong desire to see a multi-time world champion at the wheel of what is expected to be the SF-25.
“O Rato,” A Career of Success
Emerson Fittipaldi was one of the most iconic drivers in Formula 1 and a Brazilian pioneer in the sport. Born in São Paulo, Brazil, on December 12, 1946, he made his Formula 1 debut in 1970 with Team Lotus. In 1972, at just 25 years old, he became the youngest world champion in Formula 1 history (a record now held by Sebastian Vettel), winning five races and bringing Lotus to the top.
The Brazilian driver replicated his success in 1974 with McLaren, securing his second world title thanks to a consistent and competitive season, cementing his place as a motorsport legend.
Following his success in Formula 1, Emerson took on a more ambitious challenge, founding Fittipaldi Automotive with his brother Wilson, aiming to prove his worth as a constructor. However, despite their dedication, the team fell short of expectations.
Fittipaldi retired from Formula 1 in 1980 but found a second wind in the CART Championship in the United States, where he won the prestigious Indianapolis 500 twice (1989 and 1993) and the CART Championship title in 1989.
Photo: Formula 1