**Lewis Hamilton Reflects on Cultural Changes After Ferrari Move: ‘No More Sunday Morning Curry Smells’**
Sir Lewis Hamilton has opened up about the cultural adjustments he has faced since his high-profile switch to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula One season, highlighting one rather unexpected change — the absence of lingering curry aromas in the garage on race day mornings.
Having spent the bulk of his illustrious career surrounded by British teams at McLaren and Mercedes, Hamilton, now 40, is experiencing a fresh environment both on and off the track since relocating to Ferrari’s home base in Maranello, Italy. As he acclimatises to Italian traditions, Hamilton admits he no longer has to contend with the potent mixture of spice and garlic that once filled the air on Sunday mornings — a by-product of his former teammates’ fondness for post-qualifying curry dinners.
Speaking during a promotional event in London to celebrate the opening of The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0, Hamilton humorously reminisced about the British crews’ culinary habits. “The Brits loved curry — my team would always have a curry on Saturday nights, so by Sunday morning, when they came in, the whole engineering room would just smell of curry and garlic,” he told broadcaster Nick Grimshaw. He went on to add, “They didn’t really get excited about food otherwise. Italians are completely different; lunch is sacred and they never, ever miss it.”
The transition from British pragmatism to Italian passion for food has added a novel dimension to Hamilton’s work life. He revealed, “Sometimes I go into the garage for a chat and wonder where everyone’s gone — they’re all at lunch. I think Ferrari might be the only team that does that!”
While such light-hearted insights offer a glimpse into the daily life of Formula One teams, they underscore the deeper cultural shift Hamilton has embraced as part of his career’s new chapter. The British legend is becoming accustomed not only to Ferrari’s culinary customs, but also to the team’s rhythm, which values camaraderie and tradition as much as engineering precision.
On the racing front, Hamilton is yet to reach the podium in his first 11 outings for Ferrari this season, a marked contrast to his glittering history at Silverstone, where he boasts nine wins and has finished on the podium 11 times. Nonetheless, he remains optimistic ahead of the upcoming British Grand Prix at Silverstone, scheduled for this weekend. “There’s always something magical about Silverstone,” he said during a media briefing on Thursday. “It’s such a special place, with incredible fans, and I’m hoping everything comes together for a strong result this Sunday. I really can’t wait — it’ll be truly special to race a Ferrari here for the first time.”
Hamilton’s appearance for The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 provided him with the opportunity to share both anecdotes from the paddock and his unflagging enthusiasm for returning to Silverstone, a circuit he calls “very close to his heart”. The event itself promises fans interactive experiences, including a pizza masterclass led by acclaimed chef Michele Pascarella, and a cocktail-making session hosted by award-winning mixologist Federico Riezzo. Both culinary offerings are inspired by Ferrari’s star drivers, Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
The House of Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0 remains open in Covent Garden through 5 July, with attendees able to secure complimentary tickets by signing up via Club Peroni. This initiative illustrates the growing trend of Formula One drivers engaging with fans through lifestyle and cultural events, blurring the lines between sporting and broader cultural engagement.
As Hamilton continues to embed himself within the Ferrari family, observers will be keen to see whether his blend of British tenacity and adaptability to Italian flair will yield results both on the track and in the unique culture of Maranello. For now, he appears to be relishing the challenge — curry-free race days included.
With the British Grand Prix fast approaching, the spotlight remains firmly on Hamilton as he seeks to add another iconic chapter to his Silverstone legacy — this time, attired in the famous red of Ferrari, and infused with the traditions of his new racing home.