Ferrari director on Hamilton: 'Experience will be decisive'

Elkann also talks briefly in the interview about how the negotiations and contact with Hamilton went. According to the Italian racing stable's director, the whole process went quite smoothly. "Certain things happen very quickly. This was the moment when he and Ferrari found each other. Lewis wants his eighth world title, Ferrari also wants to win and with Lewis we are stronger. He is not coming to us to enjoy his retirement and it is important that he has motivated people around him," Elkann stated.

Elkann highlights possible key factor

The Italian believes Hamilton has a great chance of winning the world title. "It is really exciting in Formula 1 now, with four teams very close to each other. It is important to aim for maximum potential. Those with more experience tend to be more consistent and that could be a deciding factor."

Hamilton will have passed 40 when he first sits in the Ferrari car, but Elkann is not worried in that respect. "Federer, Djokovic, Ronaldo and Simone Biles show that through dedication and sacrifice you can overcome the physical limits of age. Moreover, we are living in an era where we are living longer and top sports careers are being extended."

This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi