“He doesn’t come to Ferrari to enjoy his retirement” : Ferrari chairman confident that Lewis Hamilton will win eighth F1 title
John Elkann is a prominent figure in the business world, and is known for making strategic and key investments. He serves as the chairman and CEO of Exor, which has made significant contributions in various industries including sports teams like Juventus FC and Ferrari.
John Elkann specifically has remained in close ties with Ferrari, and is leading them to restore its previous storied excellence and heritage. This can be seen from the groundbreaking transfer for F1 legend Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton has joined Ferrari and is preparing for a ‘new challenge’ in his career, although many think this he is on his way to retirement. But the Ferrari chairman has different thoughts on this matter, and believes the Briton will bring back greatness for the Italian team, breaking an 18 year long wait for an F1 drivers’ title.
Ferrari director believes age will not be a factor for Lewis Hamilton to break records
In an interview with Italy’s Corriere dello Sport, the Italian revealed that he is very excited for the seven-time champion’s arrival, and that the 39-year-old (40 by the time he joins) will not slow down in pursuit to win his eighth title.
“Certain things happen very quickly. This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other. Lewis wants his eighth world title, Ferrari also wants to win and with Lewis we are stronger. He is not coming to us to enjoy his retirement and it is important that he has motivated people around him,” stated the 48-year-old.
John Elkann believes that competition is getting much higher than before, and the experience of Lewis Hamilton will provide extra motivation for the team to reach its fullest potential.
“It is really exciting in Formula 1 now, with four teams very close to each other. It is important to aim for maximum potential. Those with more experience tend to be more consistent and that could be a deciding factor,” the Ferrari director added.
In the world of sports, it is not very unusual seeing athletes who were at the top of their respective sports in their prime continue their dominance even in their latter years. Examples like Lionel Messi who won the World Cup while being the best player of the tournament at 35, Cristiano Ronaldo still scoring goals for fun at 39, LeBron James who has arguably been the best player in the Olympics at 39, and most recently, Novak Djokovic who won the Olympic gold at 37 years of age. Similarly, the Ferrari director ensures that Hamilton’s stint at Ferrari will be no different.
“The two of them, Federer, Biles, Ronaldo, Messi and Paltrinieri himself, with dedication and sacrifices 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 the careers of sportsmen and women are also extended.” Elkann concluded.
Lewis Hamilton has been at the pinnacle of his sport for over a decade now, and if someone can bring home an eighth F1 title at the age of 40, he is certainly the man to put your money on the line.
