Ferrari chairman John Elkann has dispelled any notion that Lewis Hamilton’s move to the Scuderia for the 2025 F1 season was a prelude to retirement.
The announcement that Ferrari had signed the seven-time World Champion shocked the Formula 1 community earlier this year, given Hamilton’s long-standing association with Mercedes, where he secured six of his titles over a 12-season period.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, a team that had been struggling under the new aerodynamic regulations introduced in 2022, raised many eyebrows.
However, it became evident that the British driver’s move to Ferrari was motivated by a desire to rejuvenate his career and pursue a record-breaking eighth title, rather than to wind down his illustrious career.
During the ongoing 2024 season, Mercedes have started to find their form again, with Hamilton securing two victories in the last three races before Formula 1 entered its summer break.
Despite the resurgence, Hamilton has remained committed to his decision, showing no signs of regret as he looks forward to his new challenge with Ferrari, a team historically known for its passion and pursuit of excellence.
In a revealing interview with Corriere dello Sport, Elkann elaborated on the swift and decisive nature of Hamilton’s signing, stating, “Some things happen very quickly. This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other.”