For Piero Ferrari, the arrival in Maranello of Lewis Hamilton has been a long time coming, and a dream finally realized for both the Briton and the Scuderia.
However, at 40-years-old, questions have arisen about the seven-time world champion’s age and potential performance.
The son of Enzo Ferrari recently addressed these concerns, shedding light on Hamilton’s longstanding desire to race for the Scuderia and dismissing any worries about his age.
Hamilton, who has long expressed a desire to race for Ferrari, finally saw his dream materialize after 12 years and six world titles with Mercedes.
His passion for the Scuderia dates back at least a decade, as Piero Ferrari revealed in a conversation with Italian publication Autosprint.
The Road to a Blockbuster Move
“The first time he came to us was when he bought a LaFerrari, it was 2014, he spent a lot of time in the factory studying how to customize it,” Ferrari recalled.
“Then towards evening, he said hello and I asked him if he wanted to stay for dinner with me. He was enthusiastic and I discovered a truly pleasant person, out of the ordinary.”
Hamilton’s visits to Maranello were not limited to that single occasion.
“He came back other times, speaking mainly with the people in charge of the commercial part,” added Ferrari’s 79-year-old vice-chairman.
Despite years of speculation, Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari was only confirmed on the eve of the 2024 season.
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According to Piero Ferrari, discussions about a potential partnership had occurred several times over the years, but it was only at the end of 2023 that the timing aligned for both parties.
Piero Ferrari on the grid in Canada in 2023.
“Over the years we talked and joked, here and there,” Ferrari said.
“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.
“Then the moment came when both Lewis and we saw the opportunity to start negotiations. And the signature arrived.”
No Concerns About Age
While some may question whether Hamilton, now in his fifth decade, can still compete at the highest level, Piero Ferrari remains confident that age will not be a limiting factor for the British driver.
“[Hamilton] is healthy, he is in good shape both physically and mentally, I don’t think age is a problem at all,” Ferrari asserted.
“He accepted the challenge with great enthusiasm.”
Hamilton’s Legacy and Future Prospects
Although only three drivers in F1 history – Juan Manuel Fangio, Giuseppe Farina, and Jack Brabham – have won a world title in their forties, Hamilton’s vast experience and winning pedigree still make him a formidable force on the grid.
With a record number of race wins, pole positions, and seven world championships to his name, the Briton’s presence is expected to be a major asset for Ferrari.
“Seven world titles mean the awareness of reading the races,” said Ferrari.
“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.”
With Ferrari’s backing and his drive to succeed, Hamilton’s time at Maranello promises to be one of the most intriguing chapters of his storied career.
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