Lewis Hamilton’s popularity is soaring following his move to Ferrari—but it came at a cost during the Bahrain Grand Prix when an overzealous fan caused a security scare in the paddock.
While riding his scooter through the paddock area, the seven-time world champion was chased by an eager fan trying to get a selfie. As the fan closed in dangerously close, Hamilton’s security guard acted swiftly, physically intercepting the fan before any contact could be made.
Despite the sudden incident, Hamilton appeared unfazed, continuing his ride with signature composure. Also present during the moment was Fernando Alonso, following just behind on his own scooter. The veteran Spaniard witnessed the entire scuffle but remained equally composed.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Era: Huge Fan Support and Social Media Buzz
Hamilton’s transition to Scuderia Ferrari has reignited fan excitement in ways the sport hasn’t seen in years. His debut post from Ferrari headquarters in Fiorano drew massive crowds—even in winter—just to catch a glimpse of him in red.
In January, a photo of Hamilton standing outside Enzo Ferrari’s house in team gear became one of the most liked F1 images on Instagram, signaling the marketing power Ferrari gained with his signing.
Sponsor analytics firm Sponsorlytix valued Hamilton’s first Ferrari racesuit post at over $62,000 in exposure for title sponsor HP. Ferrari itself gained approximately $50,000, while brands like Shell, IBM, PUMA, Ceva, and VGW also saw visibility estimated at $40,000+ each.
A Slow Start on the Track, But Hamilton Remains Unshaken
While the off-track buzz is undeniable, Hamilton’s start to the 2025 season has been less than ideal. Still adjusting to his new environment, he has yet to match the pace of teammate Charles Leclerc.
Meanwhile, his predecessor at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz, is facing his own struggles at Williams, where he’s been outperformed by Alex Albon in the early races—highlighting the challenges drivers face when transitioning to new teams.
The Bigger Picture
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari has already proven to be a commercial masterstroke, even if the results on track haven’t caught up yet. Fan enthusiasm remains sky-high, but the recent paddock scare is a reminder that security and boundaries are still vital, no matter how beloved a driver becomes.
As the season unfolds, fans will be eager to see Hamilton find his groove—and maybe even deliver a historic win in red.
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