UNUSUAL: Lewis Hamilton snubbed after Ferrari Pope gift… Read more
Lewis Hamilton Snubbed as Ferrari Honours Pope with Charles Leclerc Gift
Ferrari chairman John Elkann recently held a private audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, but the event stirred interest within Formula 1 circles after seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton was notably overlooked in favour of his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc.
The 49-year-old Pope welcomed Elkann and the Ferrari delegation in an intimate meeting, where the Italian carmaker presented symbolic gifts. Among these was one item that drew particular attention: Leclerc’s very own Formula 1 steering wheel. The moment was captured by Rome Reports, which later shared photographs and clips from the audience.
During the exchange, Pope Leo appeared intrigued, holding the advanced piece of racing technology in his hands. With a touch of curiosity, he asked: “A steering wheel… So is this a real steering wheel from a real car?” Elkann reassured him, responding: “This is real, it was really used.” Light-heartedly, he then added: “No, no it’s not connected. You’d need to connect it to a car.”
Alongside the steering wheel, Elkann also gifted the pontiff a scale model of the Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale, a powerful limited-edition supercar also driven by Leclerc. While handing over the miniature version, the Ferrari boss remarked: “So you can remember your passion for driving.” The gesture clearly linked Ferrari’s heritage and engineering marvels with Leclerc, who has emerged as the company’s poster boy in recent years.
The decision to centre the presentation around Leclerc rather than Hamilton raised eyebrows among observers, especially considering Hamilton’s stature as one of the most decorated drivers in the history of Formula 1. Since joining Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season, Hamilton’s arrival has been one of the most talked-about transfers in modern F1 history. However, despite his global profile, Hamilton was not the face chosen for Ferrari’s symbolic offering to the Vatican.
For Hamilton, who has always spoken openly about his respect for spirituality and the power of faith, being excluded from the presentation may feel like a missed opportunity. Leclerc, meanwhile, continues to enjoy a close relationship with Ferrari’s leadership and Italian heritage, further strengthened by Elkann’s gesture during this high-profile occasion.
Ferrari’s Long Tradition of Gifts to the Vatican
This is far from the first time Ferrari has presented special memorabilia to a Pope. The relationship between the Vatican and the legendary Italian marque stretches back decades.
In 2005, then-Pope Benedict XVI was given the steering wheel from Michael Schumacher’s 2003 world championship-winning Ferrari, courtesy of former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo. That iconic steering wheel, tied to one of the most dominant eras in F1 history, is now proudly displayed in the Carriage Pavilion of the Vatican Museums, drawing thousands of visitors every year.
Benedict XVI was also famously gifted a Ferrari Enzo, one of the company’s rarest hypercars. Rather than keeping the prized vehicle, the Vatican decided to auction it, with the proceeds directed to aid victims of the devastating tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in late 2004. The act not only underscored Ferrari’s tradition of honouring the Pope but also highlighted the Vatican’s commitment to charity.
What This Means for Hamilton
Although Ferrari’s gesture to the Pope continues the brand’s longstanding tradition of blending faith, culture, and motorsport, Hamilton’s absence in this exchange raises questions about his current standing within the Ferrari family. His debut season with the Scuderia has been underwhelming, with the British driver yet to secure a podium finish. Critics argue that Ferrari may be choosing to showcase Leclerc as the team’s emblem of pride, especially given his deep ties to Monaco and Ferrari’s Italian legacy.
Nonetheless, Hamilton remains one of the sport’s most influential figures, admired globally for his activism, philanthropy, and record-breaking career. Whether this Vatican snub will fuel further speculation about Hamilton’s relationship with Ferrari or simply be remembered as a symbolic choice in favour of Leclerc remains to be seen.
For now, Ferrari continues to balance tradition with its future, presenting itself not only as a racing team but also as a brand intertwined with culture, faith, and history. The latest Vatican audience serves as another chapter in Ferrari’s unique bond with the Papacy, one in which Charles Leclerc, rather than Lewis Hamilton, took centre stage.
About The Author
