Lewis Hamilton leaves heartfelt note at legendary Ferrari restaurant ahead of Chinese GP

Lewis Hamilton has added his name to the legendary Italian restaurant, Ristorante Montana. Found just beyond the tarmac of Ferrari’s Fiorano test track in Maranello, the eatery has hosted some of the best Formula 1 drivers in the world, including the likes of Michael Schumacher. 

As the seven-time world champion now looks forward to the Chinese Grand Prix after a challenging Australian campaign, a note he left at the restaurant is receiving significant attention.

The Ferrari restaurant

Ristorante Montana, affectionately known as “the Ferrari restaurant,” has been a part of Italian motorsport culture for decades. It’s hosted racing legends from drivers to designers, and some of the greatest personnel to ever be involved with the Scuderia. On the walls of its dining area it boasts memorabilia from across Italian racing history, including helmets, racing suits, and countless photos. 

Rossella Giannini, the heart of the location, is beloved, receiving compliments from Schumacher himself. 

A collection of napkins is close to the heart of the people who frequent the place, featuring signatures from Nigel Mansell, Kimi Räikkönen, David Coulthard, Jacques Villeneuve, and Felipe Massa. Carlos Sainz, now driving for Williams, has his signature for all to see, as does Charles Leclerc. As of this week, so will Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s latest superstar driver.

In anticipation for Hamilton’s arrival at Maranello earlier this year, a custom meal was prepared for the former Mercedes driver. Now, with one race under his belt, he’s been there multiple times to enjoy the Italian cuisine. Following a 10th-place finish in Australia, Hamilton was quick to return to the restaurant, leaving a thank you note on a napkin before he left.

Written in Italian, he wrote alongside his signature and racing number: “To Rossella, thank you for the food, very good!”

Going into this weekend, Hamilton seeks redemption after a disappointing season opener. The driver has enjoyed success at Shanghai previously with six wins at the circuit, so he’ll be hoping to enter the sprint weekend with optimism fueled by experience.