Ferrari president names moment that defined 'great champion' Hamilton

Ferrari president John Elkann has opened up on Lewis Hamilton's blockbuster move to the team from 2025, and named the moment that showed him as a 'great champion'.

It has been just over a month since the announcement that the seven-time champion would partner up with Charles Leclerc in the future.

READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton net worth: Salary, endorsements and NFL ownership

The British champion was expected to end his career at Mercedes, the team where he won six of his seven world titles.

Despite this, they have struggled during the ground effect era, and the failure to provide Hamilton with a race win may be one of the reasons for him leaving.

Elkann looks forward to welcoming Lewis to Ferrari

"I have always said over the years how much Lewis is a great driver, how much he has done for F1,” Elkann told Sky.

"If one thinks he can stay ahead of Hamilton and Lando Norris on his debut, I think Oliver will remember this for his whole life.

“The hug that Lewis wanted to give him shows what a great champion he is on and off the track."

READ MORE: F1 drivers age: How old are Lewis Hamilton, Verstappen, Norris and co

The Ferrari boss has his eyes on the future however, and expects Hamilton to perform at Ferrari when the regulations change in 2026.

"2026 will be a cycle that closes, then another will open,” the Ferrari president said.

“The important thing will be to always be competitive and continue to fuel this spirit."

READ MORE: What the 2025 F1 grid looks like after MASSIVE Hamilton move

Related

More F1 news

Full News Feed

Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell receive planning verdict amid neighbour dispute over $12.3m home

• Yesterday 23:00

Japanese Grand Prix gets ‘Mario Kart’ twist after F1 driver complaints

• Yesterday 21:00

American F1 team Haas to run epic 'Godzilla' car livery at Japanese Grand Prix

• Yesterday 19:00

Miami Grand Prix could get ‘Taylor Swift effect’ with Kim Kardashian presence

• Yesterday 17:00

Max Verstappen tensions boil over in heated radio exchange with race engineer

• March 18, 2026 23:00

FIA boss faces pressure as drivers demand sweeping changes in official letter

• March 18, 2026 21:00