For John Elkann, Lewis Hamilton's age is an asset: "With him, Ferrari will be stronger"

John Elkann is a man of eclectic tastes. The one that car enthusiasts know for being the grandson of Gianni Agnelli and the current President of the Stellantis group since 2021 was also present at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to support the Italian athletes and give some interviews to selected media the shutter, like the American channel CNBC and the Italian newspaper Sports Courier.

The success of the champions at an advanced age for high-level sport during this Olympiad struck the heir of the Fiat group and gave him the desire to draw parallels with the upcoming arrival of Lewis Hamilton in the Team Ferrari, where he will be a teammate Charles Leclerc.

 

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“Simone Biles (3 gold medals and 1 silver in gymnastics at age 27), Novak Djokovic (1 gold medal in tennis at age 37) and Gregorio Paltrinieri (1 silver and 1 bronze medal in swimming at age 29). With dedication and sacrifice, they overcome the physical limitations due to age. It is also true that we are in a historical phase where people are living longer and where athletes' careers are also lengthening., he declared to Corriere dello Sport.

Which leads John Elkann to talk about Lewis Hamilton, who will celebrate his 40th birthday in January 2025, at the very start of his contract with Ferrari. “Some things happen very quickly. He and Ferrari found each other. Lewis wants to win his eighth title, Ferrari wants to win and with Lewis, Ferrari will be stronger. He does not come to Ferrari to enjoy retirement and it is important to have people around him motivated by the desire to win. »

The 48-year-old businessman also believes that Lewis Hamilton's age will be a strength within the Scuderia. " In Formula 1, there is now real competition, with four teams very close in performance: Red Bull, Ferrari, McLaren et Mercedes. It is important to always exploit your potential to the fullest. Those with more experience have more consistency, as demonstrated by Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso (at the house of Aston Martin at 43 years old. Editor’s note). And consistency matters. » Down with youthism!