Ferrari’s President John Elkann views Lewis Hamilton’s decision to join the team as a significant endorsement of Ferrari’s potential to challenge Red Bull’s current supremacy in Formula One.
Hamilton, after spending 12 seasons with Mercedes and achieving six of his seven world championships there, is set to move to Scuderia Ferrari next year.
This move follows a period of speculation and denials about a potential switch, especially after Hamilton signed a lucrative two-year deal with Mercedes worth £100 million, despite previously stating his intention to end his career with the German team.
The transition to Ferrari represents a major shift for Hamilton, as he seeks an unprecedented eighth world title, a feat that would break the tie with Michael Schumacher for the most championships won.
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Hamilton’s exceptional record in Formula One includes leading the all-time standings for both race wins and pole positions, highlighting his status as one of the sport’s greatest drivers.
Elkann, a longstanding admirer of Hamilton, played a pivotal role in securing the deal, emphasizing Hamilton’s belief in Ferrari’s potential for greatness.
“He will join Ferrari and this is a sign of how much he believes he can do great things with us,” Elkann told Sky Sports in Italy.
This move comes at a time when Ferrari is striving to reclaim its former glory, having not won a drivers’ championship since 2007 or a constructors’ championship since 2008.
Despite Red Bull’s dominance, with Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez leading the charge in the current season, Ferrari has shown promise, with strong performances from Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
Elkann remains optimistic about Ferrari’s prospects, particularly with new regulations set to take effect in 2026, which could signal a shift in the competitive landscape of Formula One.
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Furthermore, the recent inclusion of Oliver Bearman as a replacement for Sainz, who missed the Saudi Grand Prix due to appendicitis, has been notable.
Bearman’s impressive debut was praised by Hamilton, who acknowledged the young Briton’s potential by warmly embracing him post-race. Elkann highlighted this gesture as indicative of Hamilton’s commendable character, both on and off the track.
This transition phase for Ferrari, marked by Hamilton’s arrival and emerging talents like Bearman, signifies a hopeful era for the team, aiming for continuous improvement and competitive spirit.