Lewis Hamilton joins Ferrari next season when he will be 40.

Ferrari chairman John Elkann has made it clear Lewis Hamilton will not be heading to Ferrari next year simply to enjoy his retirement from F1.

The Scuderia stunned the Formula 1 world at the start of February when it announced it had signed seven-time champion Hamilton, who had seemed set to see out his career with Mercedes.

Six of those drivers’ crowns have been won during what will be a 12-season stint with the Brackley-based squad whose faltering form under the current aerodynamic regulations introduced in 2022 appeared to be the spark for Hamilton’s shock switch.

Over time this season, Mercedes has finally discovered the right developmental path, resulting in Hamilton winning two of the last three grands prix before F1 shut down for its summer break.

Hamilton has insisted he has no regrets about his decision, particularly with Ferrari trending in the opposite direction to Mercedes.

Elkann maintains when Hamilton starts work next season the target is an obvious one, and thoughts of a swansong will be far from his mind.

In an interview with Corriere dello Sport, asked whether it was difficult to sign Hamilton, Elkann replied: “Some things happen very quickly. This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other.

“He wants to win the 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.”

Hamilton age means ‘consistency’

When Hamilton starts work with Ferrari in January he will be 40 years old, yet his two recent wins, taking his career tally to 105, have proven there are no signs he is slowing down.

Elkann feels there is one vital ingredient provided by Hamilton’s age that will prove vital to Ferrari in its bid to realise its ambitions.

“In Formula 1 there is real competition now, with four teams very close – Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes,” said Elkann.

“It is important to always go to the maximum of your potential. Those with more experience have more consistency, as demonstrated by Hamilton and also [Fernando] Alonso, and consistency counts.”

Elkann feels Hamilton is part of a generation of sports stars who are proving age is no barrier to success.

Adding in the likes of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Lionel Messi and Ronaldo, he remarked: “With dedication and sacrifice 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 also the careers of athletes are lengthening.”