In a groundbreaking move that shocked motorsport fans, Lewis Hamilton made waves last year by confirming his move to Scuderia Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season. The announcement set off a storm of ranging emotions from his fans worldwide. One of them was NASCAR fame Bubba Wallace who was just as eager to see what the future holds for the seven-time world champion.

Hamilton’s decision to join the iconic Italian team represents a new chapter in his decorated career, adding a fresh challenge. And today Hamilton again went viral with his new reveal. To which Bubba Wallace couldn’t help but reply in awe, returning an old favor to his idol.

Bubba Wallace’s tribute to his hero

After confirming his move to Ferrari last year, today Hamilton finally posted a picture marking the start of a new journey in his career. His tweet read “New era @ScuderiaFerrari” along with which he posted a picture of him in a suit with a classic Ferrari in the background. To this NASCAR’s most prominent driver of color – Bubba Wallace, sent a brief but powerful message to his hero on Twitter: “Tough!!💪🏾💪🏾💪🏾”

Lewis Hamilton’s announcement to join Ferrari didn’t go unnoticed by Bubba Wallace, who has long cited the F1 legend as a key source of inspiration throughout his racing career. The two share a bond that goes beyond the track, both being pioneers for athletes of color in predominantly white motorsport disciplines. Wallace has repeatedly spoken about how Hamilton’s success—on and off the track—has motivated him to break down barriers in NASCAR. “Lewis Hamilton is someone I’ve idolized. I’m the only Black driver in NASCAR’s top level. So Lewis’ example—as the lone Black F1 driver—is particularly meaningful for me. He shows we’re out there doing it. To see him conquering the track damn near every weekend, it motivates me to try to do the same,” Wallace told CNN.

In this one-word tweet, Bubba Wallace not only wished Lewis Hamilton the best in his new venture but also returned a long-standing favor of appreciation. In 2020 when Wallace made his move to Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing, Hamilton showcased his excitement, congratulating Michael Jordan and Wallace saying, “Congrats to Michael and Denny and a massive congrats to @bubbawallace! This is huge 🙌🏾” Wallace replied to this tweet with, “Thank you Bro!!!! Guess we will see you at the #daytona500 next year?!!👀👊🏾” While Hamilton did not appear at the Daytona 500, he maintained his support for Wallace throughout the latter’s career so far.

A shared legacy between Wallace and Hamilton

As the only two drivers of color at the top of their respective sports, Hamilton and Wallace share a unique and rare position in the world of motorsports. They’ve not only shattered the glass ceiling but have also inspired countless kids from diverse backgrounds to pursue racing with confidence. The same way Hamilton did it for Wallace back when he was a kid.

Wallace once mentioned, “There was nobody to identify with, I remember always playing the F1 2010-11 game on Xbox and I’d pick Lewis Hamilton every time. I became a huge fan of his and see what he’s going through.” 

Not just this but back when Wallace was just starting his career, he received a gift that one can only dream of. Lewis Hamilton had tweeted his name out on X, posting “Hey @BubbaWallace! Wishing you the absolute best today in your race. Smash it!!”. Wallace was in pure disbelief saying: “I was just like freaking out… To see that tweet, to see that kind of respect he had given out to me was unreal.” 

Hamilton’s rise to prominence in Formula 1 has been nothing short of groundbreaking. 2022 was the first time Hamilton finished outside the top-5 of the World Driver’s Championship in his entire career! Since 2007 he has been consistently world-class and now with Charles Leclerc by his side, he will look to take Scuderia Ferrari back to the summit.

His success has been a ray of hope, especially for young athletes of color who previously had few figures to look up to in motorsports.

Similarly, Bubba Wallace’s journey through NASCAR, where he has faced not only the challenge of being a Black driver but also the social and political obstacles that come with it, has made him a role model for many in the U.S. Together, Wallace and Hamilton today represent the changing face of motorsports. So, what do you think of Hamilton’s new journey? Let us know in the comments.