Elkann Confident: Hamilton Joins Ferrari with Ambition

Elkann dispels doubts, asserts Hamilton’s Ferrari move is driven by competitive zeal.

John Elkann, the CEO of Ferrari, is confident that Lewis Hamilton will be at his peak when representing the marque. He harbors no concerns about the seven-time World Champion of Formula 1 becoming demotivated or slipping into a retirement mindset.

“Things can happen very quickly,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “This is the moment where he and Ferrari found each other. He wants to win his eighth title, Ferrari wants to win, and with Lewis, they are stronger. He didn’t come to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement and it’s vital to have motivated people around who want to win.”

Asked about the contributions of a driver like Hamilton, who will be 40 when he starts with Ferrari, Elkann is assured that their experience is beneficial: “In Formula 1, there’s real competition now, with four very close teams: Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes.”

“Red Bull started the season well, followed by Ferrari, McLaren, and more recently Mercedes have caught up. The championship is wide open with exceptional drivers at work.”

“It’s important to always operate at maximum potential: those with more experience are more consistent, as demonstrated by Hamilton and Alonso themselves. And consistency matters.”

“With dedication and sacrifice, they overcome the physical limitations of age. It’s also true that we are in a historic phase where people are living longer and athletes’ careers are extending.”

On the topic of Adrian Newey’s potential move to Ferrari, there were rumors from Italy suggesting Ferrari was prepared to meet Newey’s salary demands in a ‘whatever it takes’ attitude, but Newey had demanded “decision-making powers that are the prerogative of the team director”.

Newey also wanted the “right to veto on hiring new engineers, role assignments, and accepting technical partnerships.”

In consultation with Elkann and Benedetto Vigna, Frédéric Vasseur is said to have declined these requests, leading Italians to believe that Newey will eventually sign with Aston Martin F1.

However, these rumors should, according to our sources, be taken with the customary pinch of salt.