Briatore jokes Ferrari Luce safe from Chinese copies as Hamilton defends EV

Alpine executive adviser Flavio Briatore has taken a playful jab at the Ferrari Luce, the Prancing Horse's first electric vehicle, by suggesting its polarizing design makes it immune to Chinese imitation.

"Everyone's asking me about the new Ferrari... it has one big advantage: the Chinese won't copy this one," the 76-year-old Italian said in a short video. The remark comes after the Luce faced heavy criticism, notably from former Ferrari chairman Luca di Montezemolo, who called the car a risk to the brand's legacy and suggested removing the iconic prancing horse badge.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's entry into the EV market with the five-seat Luce is a pivotal strategic shift for the legendary sports car maker. The negative reception has wiped over 8% off Ferrari's Milan stock and more than 5% in New York, signaling investor unease. However, the team's F1 drivers Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc have emerged as influential defenders, potentially swaying public opinion.

The details:

• Hamilton's praise: The seven-time champion described the Luce's power delivery as "amazing" and said the best part is how the car stays connected to the ground even over kerbs. He also admired the glass gear stick.
• Leclerc's favorite: The Monegasque driver welcomed the return of physical buttons in the interior, which some critics have called a saving grace.
• Price and timeline: The Luce carries a $640,000 price tag, with customer deliveries expected in Q4 2026.
• Stock reaction: Ferrari shares dropped sharply after the reveal, reflecting market skepticism about the EV's reception.

What's next:

Ferrari faces a delicate balancing act between preserving its heritage and embracing electric future. While Briatore's quip highlights the design's divisiveness, the endorsement from Hamilton and Leclerc—who famously drove the car themselves—may help soften public perception. The true test will come when the first units reach customers later this year.