Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari arrival marks new era, not 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."

He emphasized that Hamilton's motivation was clear: "He wants to win the eighth title, Ferrari wants to win, and with Lewis, they are stronger. He doesn't come to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement, and it's important to have motivated people around, who want to win."

Hamilton, who will turn 40 at the start of next season, has shown no signs of slowing down, as evidenced by his recent performances that has brought his career win tally to an impressive 105.

Elkann is confident that Hamilton's experience and consistency will be crucial in helping Ferrari achieve its long-standing goal of returning to the top of Formula 1.

"In Formula 1, there is real competition now, with four teams very close — Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes," Elkann explained. "It is important to always go to the maximum of your potential.

"Those with more experience have more consistency, as demonstrated by Hamilton and also [Fernando] Alonso, and consistency counts."

Elkann also drew parallels between Hamilton and other sporting legends such as Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

He praised this generation of athletes for their ability to push beyond the physical limitations typically associated with age, remarking, "With dedication and sacrifice, they are overcoming the physical limits due to age. It is also true that we are in a historical phase in which we live longer, and also the careers of athletes are lengthening."

As the Formula 1 season takes its summer hiatus until August 23, there was no doubt that Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari is set to usher in a new era. The partnership promises to be a potent combination of experience, skill, and unwavering determination, laying the groundwork for what could be a historic campaign in 2025.