BREAKING:Ferrari chairman vows to have “motivated people” around Lewis Hamilton to…Read more
Ferrari chairman vows to have “motivated people” around Lewis Hamilton to win eighth titles
Ferrari chairman John Elkann has set a clear objective for the team with the recent acquisition of Lewis Hamilton: to win an eighth Formula 1 title.
Hamilton’s unexpected move to Ferrari in February 2024 marked the end of his long and successful association with Mercedes, leaving the motorsport world in shock. This historic collaboration brings together F1’s most successful driver and one of its most iconic constructors, Ferrari.
The Scuderia, without an F1 drivers’ title since Kimi Raikkonen’s victory in 2007, now places its hopes on Hamilton to break their 17-year title drought. Elkann emphasized that Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is far from a retirement plan; rather, it is a strategic move to secure another championship.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Elkann highlighted the urgency and mutual alignment that brought Hamilton and Ferrari together, stating, “He wants to win the eighth title, Ferrari wants to win, and with Lewis, it is stronger.
He doesn’t come to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement, and it’s important to have motivated people around him, who want to win.”
Hamilton, now in his late 30s, will continue to race into his 40s as one of the oldest drivers on the grid, second only to Fernando Alonso.
Elkann sees Hamilton’s experience as an asset, especially in a highly competitive F1 landscape where four teams—Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes—are closely matched. He stressed the importance of consistency, something that veteran drivers like Hamilton and Alonso have mastered, saying, “It is important to always go to the maximum potential: those who have more experience have more regularity as Hamilton and even Alonso himself demonstrate. And regularity counts.”
Elkann also pointed out that it’s not unusual for elite athletes to maintain peak performance into their late 30s and beyond.
He drew parallels between Hamilton and other sports legends who have defied age-related expectations. Novak Djokovic, for example, continues to dominate in tennis, even winning an Olympic gold medal in France.
Elkann mentioned other iconic athletes like Roger Federer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Simone Biles, who have all managed to extend their careers through dedication and overcoming physical limitations associated with aging.
Elkann concluded by noting that we are in a historical period where people live longer, and as a result, the careers of sportsmen and women are also being extended.
This trend of longevity and extended peak performance applies to Hamilton as well, as he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari.
In summary, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is not just a career capstone but a calculated step towards making history. Both Hamilton and Ferrari are united by a common goal: winning an eighth F1 title.
With Hamilton’s vast experience, the team’s rich legacy, and a shared determination, Ferrari is gearing up for a serious title challenge, refusing to settle for anything less than the top prize in motorsport.
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