Lewis Hamilton’s aspirations at Ferrari extend beyond the Formula 1 circuit, as the seven-time world champion has expressed interest in designing a road car for the iconic Italian marque. In a recent interview with Motorsport.com, Hamilton revealed his ambition to create a modern-day tribute to the legendary Ferrari F40, a project he intends to pursue during his tenure with Ferrari.
The British driver, now in his first season with Ferrari, has long been fascinated by automotive design. Back in 2019, while racing for Mercedes-AMG Petronas, he voiced his desire to contribute to a special edition of the One hypercar, a project that never materialised. However, Hamilton remains eager to leave his mark on the automotive world, this time under the banner of Ferrari.
“One of the things I really want to do is design a Ferrari,” he stated while attending the Australian Grand Prix. “I want to do an F44—based on the F40, with an actual stick shift. That’s what I’m going to work on for the next few years.”
Hamilton’s vision draws from the legendary F40, a car that holds a special place in Ferrari’s history. The last model personally approved by founder Enzo Ferrari before his passing in 1988, the F40 debuted in 1987 to celebrate the automaker’s 40th anniversary. Designed by Pininfarina and built by Scaglietti, the mid-engined supercar became one of the most revered models of its era, combining an aggressive aerodynamic design with raw, race-inspired performance.
At its heart was a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V8, originally developed for Group B rally racing. It had an output of 478hp with a top speed of 320km/h. Initially planned as a limited run of 400 units, demand for the car soared, leading Ferrari to extend production to 1,315 units before ceasing production in 1991.
Rumours of an F40 revival have surfaced in recent months, with reports suggesting Ferrari is considering resurrecting the nameplate for an ultra-exclusive addition to its Icona Series. If Hamilton’s vision materialises, the F44 could align with these plans, potentially blending heritage with modern innovation in a way that pays homage to one of Ferrari’s most celebrated creations.
For now, Hamilton remains focused on his debut season with Ferrari, but his ambition to shape the brand’s future in both racing and road car development signals an exciting new chapter for the legendary driver. Whether the F44 becomes a reality remains to be seen, but with Hamilton’s influence and Ferrari’s design prowess, a modern-day F40 tribute could be closer than ever.
