John Elkann defends Lewis Hamilton signing and compares F1 legend to Cristiano Ronaldo, Noval Djokovic and more
Ferrari president John Elkann believes Lewis Hamilton has overcome the age barrier similar to the likes of Novak Djokovic and Cristiano Ronaldo. Speaking to the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport, the Italian felt that older drivers have demonstrated more consistency in performance.
Hamilton will be 40 years old when he dawns the scarlet overalls at Ferrari. Some of the concerns raised about age being a barrier to performance have been defied by the likes of Fernando Alonso and Kimi Raikkonen in the past. The double champion Alonso is now 42 years old and still racing at a competitive level.According to Elkann, athletes in other sports like Djokovic, Roger Federer, Ronaldo and Simone Biles have proved that age is not a barrier to the level of performance. In fact, the Ferrari president felt that senior drivers in F1 have proved that they are more consistent with age.
Asked about a 40-year-old Hamilton joining Ferrari, Elkann said:
“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 athletes are also getting longer.”
“In Formula 1 there is now real competition, with four teams very close together: Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes. It is important to always go to the maximum of their potential. Those who have more experience have more consistency as demonstrated by Hamilton and also Alonso himself. And consistency counts.”
Elkann suggested that Hamilton is joining Ferrari in his bid for an eighth title. The seven-time world champion has previously expressed his desire to achieve that feat before quitting the sport.
Ferrari boss urges that Lewis Hamilton is not joining the team to ‘enjoy retirement’
In recent years, an underperforming Mercedes has not helped Lewis Hamilton fight at the front. Ferrari president John Elkann believes that the Briton will be joining them to perform at a competitive level and not gradually progress towards retirement. He reckons that their deal happened quickly as both entities found common ground with each other.
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Asked in the aforementioned interview if recruiting Hamilton was difficult, Elkann said:
“Some things happen very quickly. This was the moment he and Ferrari found each other. He wants to win his 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.”
The initial speculation of Hamilton joining Ferrari surfaced around mid-season in 2023. The Briton had shot down the speculation suggesting he would continue with Mercedes. He went on to renew his contract with the Silver Arrows squad but rumors continued to swirl around his meeting with Elkann in Las Vegas.In February, the multiple world champion shocked the world of motorsport with an announcement confirming his move to the iconic team, which was welcomed by many. With Ferrari being a historic name in Formula 1, a seven-time world champion in its lineup adds more weight to its position in the highest tier of open-wheel racing. With both parties thirsty for more world titles, it will be interesting to see the result of the collaboration.
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Edition: English
