For Lewis Hamilton, joining Ferrari wasn’t a last-minute decision—it was a dream that had been simmering for over a decade. The blockbuster move that sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world was not just a strategic career shift, but the culmination of a long-held desire to don the legendary red.
And now, thanks to Piero Ferrari—son of the legendary Enzo Ferrari—we know just how deep Hamilton’s love for the Prancing Horse truly runs.
Hamilton’s Ferrari Fascination: A Story That Started in 2014
Hamilton’s ties to Ferrari date back much further than his shock 2024 announcement. In an interview with Autosprint, Piero Ferrari revealed that Hamilton has been circling the Maranello dream since at least 2014, when he first stepped into Ferrari’s inner sanctum—not as a driver, but as a customer.
“The first time he came to us was when he bought a LaFerrari,” Ferrari recalled. “He spent a lot of time in the factory studying how to customize it. Then towards evening, he said hello and I asked him if he wanted to stay for dinner with me.”
It was that night that Ferrari’s heir saw a different side of Hamilton—one beyond the flashy exterior and high-profile rivalries.
“He was enthusiastic, and I discovered a truly pleasant person, out of the ordinary,” Piero continued.
Hamilton’s connection with Ferrari didn’t stop there. He kept coming back, speaking with the people who made Ferrari what it is—not just the engineers, but the commercial team, the decision-makers. Even while dominating F1 with Mercedes, his heart was still drawn toward the allure of Ferrari.
A Move That Was Years in the Making
When the news dropped just before the 2024 F1 season, it sent shockwaves through the paddock. Hamilton leaving the empire he helped build at Mercedes after 12 years? For Ferrari?
But to Piero Ferrari, this wasn’t some impulsive, late-career move.
“Over the years, we talked and joked, here and there,” he revealed. “Several times, he expressed to me his desire to race with us, but he was tied to Mercedes and we were tied to our drivers.”
Timing is everything in Formula 1, and for years, the stars simply didn’t align. Ferrari had commitments to other drivers, and Hamilton was locked into one of the most dominant F1 partnerships of all time.
Until now.
“Then the moment came when both Lewis and we saw the opportunity to start negotiations,” Piero explained. “And the signature arrived.”
Can a 40-Year-Old Hamilton Still Deliver? Ferrari Thinks So.
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Hamilton just turned 40. And in Formula 1, age is rarely an ally. Only three drivers in history—Juan Manuel Fangio, Giuseppe Farina, and Jack Brabham—have won an F1 title in their forties.
But Piero Ferrari isn’t worried.
“He is healthy, he is in good shape both physically and mentally. I don’t think age is a problem at all.”
And let’s not forget: Even if Hamilton isn’t at his absolute peak, he’s still one of the most elite operators in the sport. The man holds more race wins, more pole positions, and as many world titles as anyone in F1 history.
Piero summed it up best:
“Seven world titles mean the awareness of reading the races. Lewis brings to Ferrari a huge experience. He is a professional at the highest level, he knows how to win races, he has the right pressure to try.”
The Ultimate Challenge: Can Hamilton Break Ferrari’s Curse?
It’s no secret that Ferrari has struggled to deliver championships in the modern era. Kimi Räikkönen in 2007 remains the team’s last world champion, despite powerhouse drivers like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel trying (and failing) to return Ferrari to glory.
Hamilton’s mission? To do what Alonso and Vettel couldn’t—and end Ferrari’s 17-year title drought.
But will Ferrari give him the car to do it? Or will the infamous strategy errors, pit lane blunders, and internal chaos that have plagued the team for years turn his dream into a nightmare?
One thing is certain—this isn’t just another move. It’s a legacy-defining chapter for both Hamilton and Ferrari.
And if he pulls it off, it might just be the most legendary championship win in F1 history.
