Ferrari chairman John Elkann has dismissed discuss that Lewis Hamilton’s shock transfer to Ferrari is merely a ‘showpiece’ transfer earlier than heading off into retirement.
Whereas the shock information of the seven-time champion’s transfer to Maranello stirred curiosity within the 2025 season earlier than a wheel had even turned in anger in 2024, some opined that it was all a part of Liberty’s seemingly script-driven plans for the game, in spite of everything what higher state of affairs than F1’s arguably most well-known driver becoming a member of its most iconic workforce.
Nonetheless, that was whereas Mercedes nonetheless seemed to be in a rut, and Hamilton appeared destined for a 3rd win-less season.
Since then, the Silver Arrows have come good, and the seven-time champ has notched up two wins within the final three races.
Chatting with Corriere dello Sport nevertheless, Elkann insists that, Mercedes resurgence apart, signing Hamilton was by no means about having the game’s most profitable driver on board for a 12 months or two, milking the varied advertising alternatives till he hung up his helmet and headed off into racing retirement.
“Some issues occur in a short time,” he stated, when requested if securing Hamilton had been difficult. “This was the second when he and Ferrari discovered one another.
“He desires to win the eighth title,” he added, “Ferrari desires to win and with Lewis, they’re stronger. He would not come to Ferrari to get pleasure from his retirement, and it is essential to have motivated folks round, who need to win.”
Regardless of his age – Hamilton could have turned 40 when the wraps are taken off his 2025 contender – Elkann believes the Briton’s expertise can be a significant factor.
“In Method 1 there may be actual competitors now, with 4 groups very shut, Crimson Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes,” he stated. “You will need to all the time go to the utmost of your potential. These with extra expertise have extra consistency, as demonstrated by Hamilton and likewise Alonso, and consistency counts.”
To show his level, the Italian cites examples exterior F1, pointing to the likes of Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer.
“With dedication and sacrifice they’re overcoming the bodily limits resulting from age,” he stated. “It’s also true that we’re in a historic section by which we stay longer and likewise the careers of athletes are lengthening.”
