Lewis Hamilton Aims to Develop a Modern Successor to the Ferrari F40
During his dominant years with Mercedes in Formula 1, Lewis Hamilton showed interest in creating a limited edition of the AMG One. However, since 2019, there have been no updates regarding a personalized variant of the Formula 1-inspired hypercar. Now, aligned with Ferrari, the renowned driver is keen to embark on a new collaboration to design a street-legal vehicle under the iconic Prancing Horse banner, dubbing it the F44.
According to Motorsport.com, Hamilton expressed his ambition to contribute to the development of a Ferrari road car that honors the legacy of the F40. Crafting a fitting successor to such an iconic model is a significant challenge, given the F40's crucial place in Ferrari’s history. The original F40 was the final model personally endorsed by Enzo Ferrari before his death in 1988, just a year after its launch.
Hamilton's Vision for the F44
"One of my main goals is to design a Ferrari. I envision an F44, inspired by the F40, featuring a traditional stick shift. This project will be my focus for the upcoming years," Hamilton stated.
Ferrari Connection and Collectibles
Choosing the F40 is a nod to its legendary status. On his inaugural day with Ferrari, Hamilton was photographed beside a V8-powered model in Maranello. Even before his move to Ferrari, he had amassed an impressive Ferrari collection, including the 599 GTO and LaFerrari, along with their Aperta variants. Although an F40 isn't part of his current collection, his rival at McLaren, Lando Norris, is said to own one of the 1,311 units produced between 1987 and 1992.
Ferrari's Potential F40 Revival
While Hamilton's proposal might appear ambitious, there are indications that Ferrari is considering reviving the F40. Last November, Top Gear suggested it could become part of the exclusive “Icona” lineup alongside models like the Monza SP1/SP2 and Daytona SP3. Rumors suggest that the revamped F40 would be based on the older LaFerrari platform rather than the new F80 and might exclude the hybrid components of the V-12 engine.
Interestingly, Ferrari has already revisited the F40 concept. In 2018, the company introduced the SP38, a unique creation based on the 488 GTB. Commissioned by a dedicated Ferrari enthusiast, this bespoke model incorporated design elements reminiscent of the iconic 1980s F40. However, Hamilton's vision and recent reports hint at the possibility of a comprehensive F40 tribute coming soon.
Hamilton's Current Season Challenges
Meanwhile, Hamilton faces challenges in his inaugural season with Ferrari. He secured tenth place in Australia and sixth in the recent Chinese Grand Prix. Additionally, he faced disqualification after excessive wear was detected on the rear underbody of his car during yesterday's race.
At 40, Hamilton needs to first enhance his performance with the SF-25 before dedicating time to ambitious side projects like the F44.
