The Barcelona Grand Prix weekend is also one marked by controversial issues. While Ferrari continues to defend the Luce, the first all-electric Ferrari 100 % in its history, journalists are now seeking honest opinions from those who represent the brand at the highest level. Having already took the wheel of the Luce During a PR event organized by Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton found himself in a tricky spot when faced with a seemingly simple question: how did his friends outside the racing world react to this electric Ferrari?
A moment of hesitation
The scene immediately caught people’s attention. When asked about the reactions of those around him, Hamilton began by saying, «Honestly, I didn’t…» before correcting himself right away: «…that’s not true, I did.»
That brief moment of awkwardness spoke volumes. It’s difficult for a driver now affiliated with Ferrari to comment too freely on a model that sparks so much debate. The Luce is not like other Ferraris: it symbolizes a historic turning point for Ferrari and embodies all the tensions between tradition and electrification.
Mixed reactions, as seen on social media
In the end, Hamilton crafted his response carefully. According to him, the discussions with his friends took place in a group chat, and the opinions expressed there are very similar to what we see on social media.
«We talked about it in a discussion group. I’d say opinions are split, kind of like on social media. Some of my friends think it’s great, others are more environmentally conscious and already drive electric cars, while others are more old-school. It’s a mix, a little bit of everything. I’d say it’s about fifty-fifty.»
In other words, even among its closest supporters, the Ferrari Luce is a divisive figure. Some appreciate its focus on sustainability and the adoption of electric technology. Others remain attached to the traditional image of Ferrari: V8s, V12s, the roar of the engine, and the emotional appeal of internal combustion engines.
Ferrari's Communication Under Pressure
This response comes a few weeks after the official video in which Hamilton and Charles Leclerc discovered and test-drove the Luce. Ferrari had highlighted the driving experience, acceleration, stability, and the work done on the artificial engine sound to convince skeptics that the Ferrari thrill could survive without a combustion engine.
Hamilton himself acknowledged his initial reservations, explaining that he had grown up with loud cars and engines with a strong character. After the test drive, however, he was much more positive about the car’s balance, power delivery, and cornering performance.
Between candor and loyalty to Ferrari
The incident in Barcelona perfectly illustrates the delicate situation facing the Ferrari drivers. On the one hand, journalists are expecting honest reactions to a model that is shaking up the brand’s DNA. On the other hand, Hamilton and Leclerc remain Ferrari’s ambassadors and cannot afford to fuel the controversy.
By describing the reaction as «50-50,» Hamilton likely found the most diplomatic way possible to acknowledge that the Luce isn’t universally loved, while avoiding direct criticism of his employer’s project. A cautious, almost embarrassed response that perhaps says more about the atmosphere surrounding this electric Ferrari than lengthy enthusiastic statements.
Lewis Hamilton was asked about his friend's reaction to "FERRARI LUCE" pic.twitter.com/RMDJJx91xe
— LH44(A) (@LH44Fanpage8) June 12, 2026
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