Hamilton and Leclerc support Ferrari's electric Luce.

      "I appreciate the return to having more physical buttons."

      Ferrari drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have openly supported the brand's controversial new electric model, Luce, despite significant backlash that resulted in a loss of billions in Ferrari's market value and widespread mockery in the media.

      The introduction of Ferrari’s first fully electric production vehicle has sparked mixed reactions. Former Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo warned that the company risks "destroying a legend" and even suggested that the iconic Prancing Horse emblem should be removed from the car. Alpine advisor Flavio Briatore was equally critical, humorously stating that the Luce’s sole benefit was that "the Chinese will definitely not copy this model."

      Nevertheless, while detractors slammed the 550,000 euro electric Ferrari, Hamilton and Leclerc voiced their enthusiasm after driving it. "The attention to detail shows that it’s unmistakably Ferrari," said seven-time world champion Hamilton.

      Leclerc commended Ferrari for moving away from touchscreen-dominated designs. "I love that it’s back to having more physical buttons, allowing you to drive, focus on the road, and actually feel," the Monegasque remarked.

      Hamilton was especially taken with the car's driving performance. "The power delivery is incredible," he noted. "You feel centered all the time, even through corners." He also pointed out how the low center of gravity, due to the battery configuration, enhances driving. "As we went over the curves, it remained connected to the ground - that’s the best part of the technology for me," Hamilton stated. "The center of gravity is very low, which is great. Most cars tend to roll, but this one doesn’t."

      Even Leclerc, a long-time supporter of traditional combustion Ferraris, expressed surprise at one feature of the electric vehicle. "There’s a sound that I actually liked - that electric sound," he shared. "That’s pretty cool and it helps you connect with the car."

      Ferrari chairman John Elkann emphasized that engineers made significant efforts to maintain the emotional qualities typically associated with the brand. "Ferrari worked hard to enable drivers to truly feel and connect with the experience," Elkann explained.

      Piero Ferrari, son of the company's founder Enzo Ferrari, also stood up for the project. "Those who wish to criticize may do so," he commented, "but I would respond, 'See it and try it.' Once you’ve driven it, your perspective will likely change."