The transfer of Lewis Hamilton to Ferrari – perhaps the most significant move in Formula 1 history. Whether you’re a fan or not, the seven-time world champion’s reception in Maranello was a historic event. Everything the Scuderia released was carefully planned. The iconic photo of Hamilton in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house perhaps went the most viral, although the Brit had envisioned it differently.
The now-famous photo circulated the entire internet at the time. On Hamilton’s Instagram page, the snapshot has already collected 5.7 million likes. Of course, the composition was meticulously crafted; Hamilton in a long Ferragamo coat, with a dark tie over a white shirt and Louboutin shoes with Ferrari-red soles. Behind him stand a red Ferrari F40 – perhaps the most iconic car of the Italian brand – and the house of founder Enzo Ferrari.
‘Hamilton wanted a black F40’
According to various Italian media, Hamilton was not entirely satisfied with the photo. The seven-time world champion reportedly requested a black F40, fully in line with his pursuit of equality and the fight against discrimination. A black Ferrari could symbolize inclusivity in a powerful way. For the same reason, Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars were black for a long time.
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Despite having a black F40 in their garage, the team reportedly declined the request. “It was a matter of principle,” according to the Italian Autosprint. A conscious decision was made to choose a red car in order to protect and emphasize the brand values, underscoring that Ferrari always takes precedence over individual drivers – even when it comes to one of the most successful and influential drivers of all time.
The now-iconic photo of Lewis Hamilton in front of Enzo Ferrari’s house – featuring a red F40 (Ferrari)
