John Elkann has provided an explanation for Lewis Hamilton’s surprising move to Ferrari starting from the 2025 season. Hamilton, who has been closely associated with Mercedes since 2013, shocked everyone by making the switch to Ferrari. It was widely believed that the 39-year-old would retire with Mercedes, but he had other plans. According to Elkann, Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was not motivated by a desire to retire as a Ferrari driver.
One of the main reasons speculated for Hamilton’s move is Mercedes’ struggles during the ground-effect era. However, Hamilton himself has not revealed the exact reason behind his decision. What is clear is that he is determined to win his eighth world championship after the controversial loss in the 2021 WDC.
Elkann commented on the matter, stating that certain events unfolded quickly when Ferrari found Hamilton. He also emphasized that Hamilton’s goal was to win his eighth title, while Ferrari wanted to return to their winning ways. Therefore, the 39-year-old’s decision to join Scuderia was not about retiring or leaving the sport.
Ferrari’s performance in the 2024 season has been inconsistent, with a decline in performance halfway through the season. Elkann acknowledged the intense competition among the top four teams and stressed the importance of maximizing the team’s potential. He suggested that experienced drivers like Hamilton would be excellent choices in such a situation.
Currently, Maranello’s focus is on improving the disappointing pace of the SF-24s during the summer break. It is crucial for the team to provide Hamilton with a strong setup right from the start. The pairing of Hamilton and another driver would make them one of the strongest duos on the grid.
Photo from Lewis Hamilton Instagram
