15 hours ago
Lewis Hamilton Questioned Over Choice of Motorcycle Ahead of Canadian Grand Prix
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
During the Canadian Grand Prix race weekend, Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton showed up on a motorcycle that turned heads and posed questions.
Hamilton was spotted riding a red Ducati bike as he arrived for qualifying.
The exact model of the bike is a Panigale V4, powered by a 103cc Desmosedici Stradale V4 engine that generates 215 horsepower.
The bike goes from 0-60 MPH in around three seconds, giving the bike some serious power and speed.
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari arrives in the paddock on a motorbike during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Canada
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Ferrari arrives in the paddock on a motorbike during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Canada at Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve on June 14, 2025 in Montreal, Canada
Photo byThe video footage made the rounds on social media, though fans questioned why he was riding a bike made by a rival Italian brand.
"But the irony is that Ducati's company is Lamborghini, not Ferrari. The other Italian," someone posted on X in the comments section of a post from ESPN.
On another page, La Gazzetta Ferrari published the video, and several users questioned Hamilton's choice of bike, given Ducati is owned by the Volkswagen Group.
"Thank you for providing free advertising for the volkswagen group," someone posted on X.
"Ducati are owed by Audi, Hamilton to Sauber confirmed!?!" another added.
"What's he doing? Doesn't he know to who the Ducati brand belongs to? Aprilia is way better," a third added.
LEWIS HAMILTON ARRIVING ON A DUCATI 🤩
— La Gazzetta Ferrari (@GazzettaFerrari) June 14, 2025
The Volkswagen Group owns Audi, Porsche, Bentley, Bugatti, and Lamborghini.
Audi is coming to Formula 1 in 2026, prompting speculation from fans about Hamilton making a move, though all indications are the seven-time champion is happy at the Scuderia.
Ferrari and several VG-affiliated car brands are competitors in the luxury car market, making his arrival interesting from a contractual aspect.
Contractual terms bind F1 drivers to limitations regarding which brands the driver is spotted in.
Since Hamilton was spotted driving a competitor brand, theoretically, there could be issues between him and Ferrari.
Given his cache and celebrity, Hamilton was likely granted the freedom to arrive on the bike beforehand.
Also, he wore a Ferrari jacket while on the bike, and the bike's color scheme matched his team's colors.
The Ducati logo is somewhat hidden as well, limiting any obvious marketing.
Hamilton is not one to shy away from riding on two wheels, previously riding a MV Agusta bike at the Moncao Grand Prix this year.
He is not afraid to ride several different brands and bikes, but once Audi enters the grid officially next season, he may avoid riding another Ducati.
