FERRIS HAMILTON'S DAY OFF IS A PRETTY COOL HOMAGE TO THE 1986 CULT CLASSIC
John Hughes’ Ferris Bueller’s Day Off isn’t just a teen comedy - it’s a cultural milestone. Released in 1986, the film is a masterclass in breaking the fourth wall, capturing youthful rebellion, and celebrating the joy of living in the moment. Starring Matthew Broderick as the effortlessly charismatic Ferris Bueller, the movie follows one particularly eventful day in the life of a high school senior who decides that school can wait, but life cannot. Ferris, a suburban Chicago teenager with an uncanny ability to manipulate people and circumstances, wakes up one morning and decides he’s in no mood for school. So, he fakes an illness with Oscar-worthy theatrics and convinces his best friend, Cameron Frye (Alan Ruck), and his girlfriend, Sloane Peterson (Mia Sara), to join him for an unforgettable day in the city. But Ferris isn’t just looking to wander the streets of Chicago - he’s got a grand plan. One of the most memorable moments in the film comes when Ferris, needing the perfect ride for his adventure, coaxes the deeply neurotic Cameron into "borrowing" his father’s prized 1961 Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder. The car is more than just transportation - it’s a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and, ultimately, consequence. They head into the city, taking in everything from a Cubs game at Wrigley Field to a high-end French restaurant, even crashing a parade where Ferris takes over a float and leads an entire crowd in a singalong to Twist and Shout by The Beatles. Meanwhile, Ferris' nemesis, Principal Rooney (Jeffrey Jones), is determined to catch him in the act and prove that he’s not really sick. Ferris’ sister, Jeanie (Jennifer Grey), shares this sentiment, resenting the way her brother always manages to bend the world to his will while she plays by the rules and gets nothing for it. Of course, Ferris being Ferris, he evades every trap Rooney sets, leaving the principal humiliated and worse for wear.
As the day comes to an end, Ferris and his friends rush home before his parents return, leading to a mad dash through backyards and streets in a now-iconic sequence. However, the real emotional weight of the story falls on Cameron, whose anxiety-ridden relationship with his father reaches a breaking point when he accidentally destroys the Ferrari - a massive thing when you consider the car is valued at around $15,000,000 today. Realizing that it’s time to stand up to his dad, Cameron decides to face the consequences, making Ferris’ day off more than just a wild joyride - it’s a turning point for his best friend. The film’s lasting appeal comes from its perfect blend of humour, heart, and an unforgettable protagonist who reminds us all to take a step back and enjoy life. As Ferris himself puts it in the closing moments: "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it." It clearly made an impression on Lewis, which is why he made this ode to the movie and the Ferrari dream he recently realised after joining the Ferrari Formula 1 team.
“No better way to start the season than by ticking off another dream. Ferris Bueller’s Day Off has been one of my all-time favourite movies, ever since I was a kid. The energy, the freedom, the sheer joy of that film - it’s always stuck with me. So, I thought, what better way to celebrate my first season with Ferrari than by paying tribute to this absolute classic? We didn’t just recreate the vibe - we went all in. Cutting-edge tech, precision planning, and a whole lot of passion went into bringing this to life. Had to get the exact car too. That Ferrari 250 GT California? Man, that’s been a dream car of mine since the first time I saw it on screen. And yes, it’s every bit as incredible as I imagined. Huge shoutout to the legend Edward Norton for joining me on this ride - because if you’re going to do something this wild, you might as well do it with style. This is the energy I’m bringing to the track this year. Full throttle, no holding back. ANDIAMO!!” explains Lewis.
Take a look at the YouTube video that shows off what you can do when you have lots and lots of money and want to be part of a favourite movie that came out when you were just 1 year old: Lewis Hamilton recreates iconic 1980s film to celebrate first season with Ferrari | Independent Sport
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