Ferrari news: Lewis Hamilton brings Christmas spirit to Maranello
Lewis Hamilton may have ended 2025 drained and frustrated, but the seven-time world champion found a different kind of victory as the year closed - one rooted in gratitude, connection, and Christmas cheer at Maranello.
Here, Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo looks at how Hamilton’s unexpected festive gesture brought warmth back into the heart of Ferrari after a difficult debut season in red.
A difficult first year in red
Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari was far from the fairytale many had imagined. Arriving at Maranello at the start of 2025, the seven-time world champion endured one of the most challenging campaigns of his illustrious career.
He finished sixth in the drivers’ standings with 156 points, his lowest total since 2009, and managed only a single sprint race victory at the Chinese Grand Prix.
As the season came to a close, Hamilton did not hide his exhaustion. He spoke openly about feeling drained and in need of a complete reset, describing his desire to disconnect entirely after months of pressure and disappointment.
It was a rare moment of vulnerability from one of Formula 1’s most decorated figures, underlining just how demanding his debut year with Ferrari had been.
A surprise visit to Maranello
Despite that fatigue, Hamilton made a decision that caught many by surprise.
In the days leading up to Christmas, he returned to the Ferrari factory in Maranello, not for meetings or testing, but to personally thank the people working behind the scenes.
The British driver took time to meet staff members across the factory, acknowledging the efforts of those who contribute away from the spotlight.
For Hamilton, it was a chance to show appreciation to the workforce that supports Ferrari’s ambitions, even during a season that failed to meet expectations.
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Playing Santa for 1,000 employees
Hamilton did not arrive empty-handed. He brought Christmas gifts for 1,000 Ferrari employees, personally handing out each one in a gesture that quickly earned admiration throughout the F1 world.
The presents came from the renowned London department store Fortnum and Mason and reflected a touch of his British roots.
Inside each box was a carefully selected assortment, including English Breakfast tea, lemon biscuits, classic tea biscuits, and Neapolitan chocolates.
Each gift also included a festive message reading, “Happy Holidays, from Lewis,” adding a personal note to the already thoughtful gesture.
Some employees also received an autographed photo, turning the moment into a keepsake many will remember for years.
Restoring joy and connection
Only weeks earlier, Hamilton had sounded worn down and emotionally spent. Yet this visit revealed a different side of the champion, one defined by warmth and generosity.
His Christmas gesture helped lift spirits within the Ferrari family and reminded many why he remains one of the most respected figures in the sport, not just for his achievements on track, but for his character off it.
The visit also reinforced Hamilton’s commitment to Ferrari.
By choosing to spend part of his holiday season with factory staff, he signalled that, despite the struggles of 2025, he remains fully invested in the project and the people behind it.
Turning the page toward 2026
At 40, Hamilton knows the challenges ahead will be significant.
He has already acknowledged that the winter will demand intense work from everyone involved as Ferrari looks to regroup and return to the front of the grid.
His ambition remains undiminished, with the goal of fighting for a record-breaking eighth world title still firmly in sight.
For now, though, his Christmas visit to Maranello stands as a powerful reminder that leadership in F1 extends beyond results.
In a season marked by frustration and fatigue, Lewis Hamilton chose generosity and gratitude, offering a moment of joy to those who share in Ferrari’s journey and setting a hopeful tone as a new chapter begins.
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