Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 champion, is gearing up for an ambitious project: to design a modern road-going car inspired by the iconic Ferrari F40, which he has dubbed the F44. Hamilton, having recently joined Ferrari, aims to create a vehicle that honors the legacy of one of the most revered supercars in automotive history.
The F40, which was the last model approved by the legendary Enzo Ferrari before his death, is celebrated not just for its performance but also for its raw, elemental driver experience. It was introduced in 1987, and in line with Hamilton’s vision, he’s expressed a desire to retain the most thrilling aspects of the F40, particularly its manually operated stick shift. "One of the things I really want to do is I want to design a Ferrari. I want to do an F44. Baseline of an F40, with the actual stick shift. That’s what I’m gonna work on for the next few years," Hamilton articulated during a recent interview.
Hamilton’s admiration for the F40 is no secret; on his first day at Ferrari, he took the opportunity to pose next to this V8-powered marvel in Maranello, indicating his deep appreciation for the brand's heritage. He has a noteworthy collection of Ferraris which includes models like the 599 GTO and LaFerrari, among other limited editions. Interestingly, Lando Norris, a rival driver from the McLaren team, owns one of the 1,311 F40s produced between 1987 and 1992, further solidifying the car’s status among elite collectors.
The quest to revitalize the F40 spirit is not merely a personal endeavor for Hamilton; reports suggest that Ferrari may actually consider bringing back the F40 in some form. Sources from Top Gear magazine indicated that Ferrari is contemplating an F40 revival as part of its 'Icona' series, which also includes other exclusive models like the Monza SP1/SP2 and Daytona SP3. Rumblings in the automotive community hint that this potential revival could see a model based on the LaFerrari, but without its hybrid technology, thereby restoring the raw performance that defined the original F40.
Reflecting on the F40’s performance, it’s remarkable to consider that it was powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 471 BHP, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in just 4.1 seconds, and achieve a top speed surpassing 320 kph. Its lightweight design, thanks to extensive use of carbon fiber, contributed to its weight of about 1100 kg, making it one of the most exhilarating supercars of its time. Such attributes are what Hamilton aspires to replicate—and perhaps even modernize—in the F44.
At 40 years old, Hamilton’s transition into Ferrari comes with immense scrutiny, especially after a disappointing debut at the 2025 Australian Grand Prix where he finished tenth, followed by a sixth-place finish in the Chinese Grand Prix. This past weekend, he faced further challenges when he was disqualified due to excessive wear on the rear underbody of his car, indicating that his focus must also remain on competing in the SF-25 before pursuing side projects.
Nevertheless, the prospect of the F44 continues to excite fans of both Hamilton and Ferrari. The enduring allure of the F40, coupled with Hamilton's vision, presents the potential for a remarkable legacy project within the world of high-performance cars. As he embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, the convergence of his racing legacy with automotive design opens doors to an exciting future where nostalgia meets innovation.
Hamilton's previous experience in the automotive field, he previously toyed with developing a limited edition of the Mercedes-AMG One while with Mercedes. This move certainly indicates his grasp on the design concepts shaping modern hypercars. However, his current focus on Ferrari signals a significant commitment to embracing the heritage and recognizability of the Ferrari brand.
The path ahead is undoubtedly filled with challenges, but for Hamilton, pushing the envelope of what a Ferrari can be is likely to resonate deeply with fans and car aficionados alike. His creative vision aims to connect the legacy of the past with the innovations of the future, a task which is as monumental as it is exciting.
As more updates emerge about Hamilton's journey in the world of car design, enthusiasts will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on what the F44 has to offer. From the roar of the engine to the feel of the stick shift, the aim to recapture the essence of the F40 could bring forth a new hero in the Ferrari lineup.
