Lewis Hamilton’s ‘very British’ gift for 1,000 Ferrari employees
The seven-time world champion made a surprise appearance at the company’s Maranello factory, handing out gifts to company employees.
There is still a day to go until Santa Claus arrives but around 1,000 Ferrari employees have already received their first Christmas present.
It did not come by reindeer, but by seven-time Formula One World Drivers’ champion Lewis Hamilton. Despite saying he would step away from the public eye after completing his final commitments of the year, Hamilton made a surprise visit to the Ferrari factory in Maranello to personally thank company employees.
Hamilton, who joined the Scuderia in 2025, had a difficult season but still wanted to show his appreciation to everyone behind the scenes with a small but thoughtful gift. Sir Lewis handed out Fortnum & Mason Christmas hampers to each employee, filled with English breakfast tea, lemon cream biscuits, classic tea biscuits and a box of Neapolitan chocolates. Alongside the treats was a signed photograph and a simple message that read: “Happy Holidays, from Lewis.”
The gesture was modest rather than extravagant, but deeply personal. It was Hamilton’s way of thanking the team for their work and introducing a touch of British tradition to his new Formula 1 family. It also served to quiet rumors in the paddock about tension or a strained relationship between the driver and the team after a difficult year.
Hamilton arrived in Maranello as one of the biggest signings in the sport’s history but he entered a difficult situation. Ferrari sacrificed development of the 2025 car to focus on the major regulation changes coming in 2026, leaving the team without the tools to fight at the front. Hamilton finished the season without a race win and, for the first time in his career, without a single podium.
The disappointment was not limited to Hamilton’s side of the garage as Charles Leclerc also failed to take a win. No victories and many questions to answer will make Christmas in Maranello a bittersweet one, softened only slightly by a thoughtful gesture from Hamilton.
Related stories
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment.Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.