Lewis Hamilton retirement claim...

Lewis Hamilton retirement claim shut down with clear message sent by F… Read More.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has shut down claims that Lewis Hamilton is moving to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement.

Instead, Elkann believes Hamilton, who will be 40 next year, has many more competitive years ahead of him. Elkann’s comments come amid speculation that Ferrari will be Hamilton’s final team before retirement.

Elkann highlighted that Hamilton’s former team-mate, Fernando Alonso, has shown that age is not a barrier to competing at the highest level.

He suggested that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is driven by his desire to win an eighth title, not to coast through his final years.

According to Elkann, Hamilton’s experience and consistency are invaluable in today’s competitive F1 landscape, which features strong teams like Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes.

Elkann emphasized that consistency, bolstered by experience, is crucial in F1, and both Hamilton and Alonso have demonstrated this.

He also mentioned that athletes’ careers are extending due to increased dedication and overcoming physical limits associated with aging.

Hamilton acknowledged the difficulty of his decision to leave Mercedes, a team he has been with for 26 years and with whom he has created a historic legacy.

Despite his strong ties to Mercedes, Hamilton felt it was time to start a new chapter. He cited his childhood dream of driving for Ferrari, inspired by watching Michael Schumacher.

Hamilton is excited about the challenge and the iconic status of Ferrari, despite the team’s lack of recent success since 2007.

Hamilton expressed admiration for Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, especially evident at the Italian Grand Prix, and the allure of the “red cockpit.”

He views joining Ferrari as fulfilling a childhood dream and a significant career challenge.