Ferrari will likely be Lewis Hamilton’s final team in Formula 1, yet chairman John Elkann has dismissed any notion that the Briton’s move to the Scuderia next season is a precursor to retirement.
In Abu Dhabi in December, Hamilton will bring his extraordinary 13-year journey with Mercedes to a poignant close to embark on a daring new chapter in his illustrious career.
For many, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is a match made in motorsport heaven between the seven-time world champion and Grand Prix racing’s most successful team.
For others, however, it’s seen as a calculated step towards winding down his illustrious career—a graceful transition to a well-deserved, posh retirement.
But Elkann is adamant that Hamilton's move to the House of Maranello is driven by a shared ambition for victory, with thoughts about life after F1 far from the Briton’s mind.
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"Some things happen very quickly. This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other,” Elkann said when asked by Corriere dello Sport if signing Hamilton had been a challenging affair.
"He wants to win the eighth title, Ferrari wants to win and with Lewis, they are stronger. He doesn't come to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement, and it's important to have motivated people around, who want to win."
Hamilton will have turned 40 when he begins his active career with Ferrari next year. While his experience and racecraft are unmatched, as his two most recent wins demonstrated, some wonder if the toll of years spent at the pinnacle of motorsport might represent a weakness as he faces younger, hungrier competitors.
But Elkann sees Hamilton’s relative elderliness as a valuable hallmark of consistency.
"In Formula 1 there is real competition now, with four teams very close - Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes," he explained.
"It is important to always go to the maximum of your potential. Those with more experience have more consistency, as demonstrated by Hamilton and also [Fernando] Alonso, and consistency counts."
Ferrari chairman John Elkann with Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur.
The Ferrari chairman also highlighted the modern trend of athletes extending their careers.
"With dedication and sacrifice they are overcoming the physical limits due to age," Elkann said, referencing other sporting icons such as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo.
"It is also true that we are in a historical phase in which we live longer and also the careers of athletes are lengthening."
The prospect of an experienced and determined Hamilton driving for the iconic Italian team has generated immense excitement, and Elkann's comments only serve to heighten anticipation for the 2025 season.
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