It is no surprise that Ferrari President John Elkann played a pivotal role in bringing Lewis Hamilton on board Ferrari. Elkann got himself personally involved in the negotiations to ensure he brought Hamilton to Ferrari after multiple failed attempts. The Italian industrialist was a huge admirer of Hamilton and had always dreamed of bringing the Briton to Ferrari.
Addressing the media for the first time since signing Hamilton, Elkann spoke about how great a driver Hamilton is. Elkann added that he was certain Hamilton could achieve great things with Ferrari. Ferrari’s short- and mid-term plans pleased Hamilton a lot. Additionally, the promise of keeping in line with Hamilton’s vision of inclusivity and diversity added to the ‘glamor’ behind the move.
#F1 | John Elkann on Lewis Hamilton: “I have always said over the years how much Lewis is a great driver, how much he has done for F1. He will join Ferrari and this is a sign of how much he believes he can do great things with us.”
“The hug that Lewis wanted to give [Oliver… pic.twitter.com/hVaM1bDQjc
— deni (@fiagirly) March 13, 2024
As read in an update on X by user Deni, Elkann also lauded Hamilton’s sportsmanship for the way he greeted debutant Ollie Bearman. Elkann claimed that the hug that Hamilton wanted to give Bearman was a true indicator of his champion spirit. It showed “what a great champion he (Hamilton) is on and off the track.”
Starting in 2025, Hamilton will don the iconic scarlet red of Ferrari, making way for a legendary partnership. Hamilton is the most successful driver in the history of F1. Meanwhile, Ferrari stands as the most successful team in the history of the sport, despite not winning any titles after 2008. With the upcoming partnership, fans hope glory will return to Maranello and the Tifosi will once again be able to celebrate a championship win.
Lewis Hamilton fans accept John Elkann as one of their own
Following Elkann’s comments after the Saudi Arabian GP, Hamilton fans took note of everything he said. They took to X to show their support for Elkann’s words and also admire him for respecting Hamilton’s achievements.
John Elkann talking about Lewis Hamilton and how important of a sign it is that Lewis believes he can be successful with Ferrari.
2025 can’t come soon enough.
pic.twitter.com/oUFEJwPV2Z— Stefanie (@fastpitstop) March 13, 2024
John Elkann, you have a fan in me! https://t.co/LRJ2vbTiHD pic.twitter.com/ZT16B2scAp
— Gigi #squadraLH (@gigi_teamlh) March 13, 2024
Some fans were happy to see Hamilton go to a team that valued him a lot.
Thank god he’s going somewhere he’s actually valued. https://t.co/Nmb1NNpe9A
— enric (@enrc_) March 13, 2024
He’s not even in the car yet, but John and Fred have consistently been like “That’s our guy. He’s the best. And we love him. No terms and conditions.” https://t.co/GC2SRLPy7F
— Athena ️ (@tarmactorque) March 13, 2024
How he’s giving Lewis the respect he has earned these 17 years https://t.co/5V1tSqMWCR
— Ackinos876 (@ackinos876) March 14, 2024
Of late, fans of the 7-time world champion felt like Hamilton wasn’t getting his due respect. Mercedes often chose to ignore his input on the car, and that stands as a major concern for the fans. With Ferrari showing signs of great respect, it is hardly a surprise that Hamilton fans are growing increasingly in favor of the move.
