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Ferrari Chairman on Hamilton’s… “He Will Lead Us to… Read More
In a bold move that has sent shockwaves through the world of Formula 1, Ferrari chairman John Elkann has expressed confidence that Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, could deliver Ferrari its long-awaited championship in his debut season with the team in 2025. During a recent interview with *Corriere dello Sport, Elkann shared his excitement about the future collaboration between Ferrari and Hamilton, emphasizing that this is a momentous occasion for both the legendary driver and the iconic Italian team.
Elkann, the 48-year-old chairman of Ferrari and chosen heir to the powerful Agnelli family empire in Italy, recently attended the Olympic Games in Paris. During his visit, he was asked about the challenge of convincing Hamilton to leave Mercedes, a team where the British driver has achieved incredible success over the past decade.
“Some things happen very quickly,” Elkann said. “This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other. He wants to win his eighth title, and Ferrari wants to win. With Lewis, we are stronger.” Elkann dismissed any notions that Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was motivated by a desire to retire in style. “He’s not coming to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement,” the chairman added. “It’s important to have motivated people around who are driven by the desire to win.”
The decision to bring Hamilton to Ferrari, however, came at a cost. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari’s in-form driver and nearly a decade younger than Hamilton, was forced to vacate his seat. Despite Sainz’s strong performances during his time at Ferrari, the team made the difficult decision to part ways with the Spaniard. Sainz, who has been one of Ferrari’s standout performers, has now signed a deal to race for Williams in 2025.
Red Bull’s motorsport advisor, Dr. Helmut Marko, expressed sympathy for Sainz’s situation. Marko, who played a key role in bringing Sainz into Formula 1 alongside Max Verstappen, acknowledged that the timing of Sainz’s departure from Ferrari was unfortunate given his current form. “It’s tragic that he’s having his best season at Ferrari and is not getting a seat in a top team,” Marko told speed Week. However, Marko noted that there is hope for Sainz at Williams, as the team has a strong engine package and Sainz’s contract reportedly includes a clause that allows him to leave if an offer from a more competitive team arises.
While Sainz’s future may be uncertain, Hamilton is expected to lead Ferrari to the front of the grid in 2025. Elkann remains optimistic about Ferrari’s prospects in what he sees as an increasingly competitive Formula 1 landscape. “In Formula 1, there is real competition now, with four teams all very close: Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, and Mercedes,” Elkann said. “It’s important to always reach the maximum of your potential, and those with more experience have more consistency, as demonstrated by Hamilton and also Fernando Alonso. And this consistency counts.”
Despite concerns about Hamilton’s age—he will be 39 years old in 2025—Elkann dismissed any worries about the driver’s longevity in the sport. Hamilton has hinted at retirement in recent years, but Elkann believes that Hamilton still has plenty left in the tank. “I think of athletes like Djokovic, Federer, Ronaldo, Messi, and Paltrinieri, and the thought that with sacrifice and dedication, you can overcome the physical limits of age,” Elkann said. “It is also true that we are in a historical phase in which we live longer, and the careers of athletes are lengthening.”
Elkann’s comments reflect a growing trend in modern sports, where athletes are able to compete at the highest level well into their late 30s and even 40s, thanks to advances in sports science, fitness, and nutrition. Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, therefore, is not seen as a final swan song but rather as the beginning of a new chapter in his illustrious career—a chapter that Ferrari hopes will culminate in the championship success that has eluded them for years.
With Hamilton behind the wheel, Ferrari is looking to end its championship drought and return to the pinnacle of Formula 1. The collaboration between Hamilton and Ferrari is a high-stakes gamble, but one that Elkann believes will pay off. “We are stronger with Lewis,” Elkann concluded. “And we are ready to win.”
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