F1 legend Lewis Hamilton 'joins' the Pope as unique Ferrari celebration unveiled

Hamilton after first test for Ferrari — Photo: © IMAGO

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Hamilton 'joins' the Pope as unique Ferrari celebration unveiled

Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari debut has been celebrated in a unique tribute

Sheona Mountford F1 Journalist

Motorsport journalist working in F1 since 2024.

Sunday 26 January 2025 22:57

Lewis Hamilton has joined iconic figures, including the Pope, after a unique Ferrari celebration was unveiled by an Italian artist.

The seven-time world champion completed his switch to Ferrari last week, where he made his official debut in Maranello and was spotted in the iconic red racesuit for the first time.

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Alongside a spectacular series of images released by Ferrari, Hamilton also enjoyed his first Ferrari test overseen by the Tifosi, who rushed to Maranello to witness the champion’s debut.

The 40-year-old will drive with Ferrari in a further test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya from January 28-30, alongside team-mate Charles Leclerc.

Lewis Hamilton completed his Ferrari switch

Lewis Hamilton will test with Ferrari in Barcelona

Hamilton Ferrari debut given special tribute

Hamilton’s Ferrari debut has garnered interest outside of the sport, with Hamilton’s picture outside of the team's factory becoming the most liked F1 post on Instagram, boasting 5.5 million likes.

However, in Italy itself, Hamilton’s Ferrari debut has received a unique celebration from Naples-based artist Genny Di Virgilio.

Di Virgilio is the fourth generation maker in a family business that stretches back to 1820s, where his great-grandparents built the saints in the bells of churches, with the family later going on to specialise in Neapolitan nativity scenes created in an eighteenth century style.

Since the 1990s, however, Di Virgilio has developed a modern twist to the family statuettes, not only depicting traditional Neapolitan shepherds, but also contemporary figures from the world of politics, sports and entertainment.

Amongst these, Di Virgilio has fashioned statuettes of King Charles III, and the current head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis.

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A post shared by Genny Di Virgilio (@divirgilioarte1830)

Now, Hamilton has joined their esteemed company, with Di Virgilio recently unveiling his statuette of the seven-time world champion following his Ferrari debut.

The artisan's statuette showcases Hamilton in his red Ferrari suit, whilst keeping within the traditional eighteenth century style, a special tribute after a memorable first week at the Scuderia.

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A post shared by Genny Di Virgilio (@divirgilioarte1830)

Written by

Sheona Mountford - F1 Journalist

Sheona Mountford is a motorsport journalist specialising in F1. As a writer and contributor, she covers a wide range of motorsport series from F1 to F1 Academy, responsible for breaking news, live race coverage and in depth analysis of the sport and the culture around it.

View full biography

Lewis Hamilton Ferrari Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya Maranello