Lewis Hamilton wants to design a modern, stick-shift Ferrari inspired by the iconic F40. For many car lovers, that’s more than just exciting—it’s a breath of fresh air in a world moving rapidly toward electric, automated performance. With Ferrari preparing fully electric models that even simulate engine sounds, Hamilton’s vision taps into something many enthusiasts feel is missing: raw, emotional driving experiences.
Why the Ferrari F40 Stands Alone
The Ferrari F40 isn’t just revered for its specs—though they’re nothing to sneeze at. With 471 horsepower from a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V8 and a 0–60 mph time of 3.8 seconds, the F40 could hold its own. But the magic of this car lies in how it feels. It’s not about numbers; it’s about the thrill.
Unlike today’s supercars packed with electronic aids and luxury features, the F40 is barebones by design. No stereo, no air conditioning, no traction control or stability systems. It’s nearly 500 pounds lighter than Ferrari’s modern 296 GTB and channels its power purely through a five-speed manual transmission. The F40 demands that the driver be all in—and that’s exactly why people love it.
The Spirit of Ferrari Feels Lost
When Ferrari unveiled its latest flagship, the F80, many fans felt something was missing. Despite its advanced features and strong performance, it lacks the spark that defined legends like the Enzo, F50, LaFerrari, and the beloved F40. Some blame government regulations, electrification mandates, or even the departure from iconic Pininfarina designs. Others point to the overreliance on driver assistance systems and paddle-shift gearboxes that separate drivers from the car.
Though models like the Ferrari 296 GTB are powerful and exciting, there’s a growing sense that Ferrari’s soul—the raw, mechanical essence—is fading. But now, with Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, there’s hope that a return to form might be possible.
A New F40 Isn’t That Far-Fetched
Hamilton’s concept of a limited-production, analog-inspired supercar isn’t without precedent. Aston Martin’s Valour, a 705-hp manual V12, sold out its 110-unit run in just two weeks. Porsche also hit a home run with the 911 S/T, a throwback to purist driving that flew off the shelves. These models prove there’s a real market for modern cars that bring back the thrill of old-school driving.
Ferrari could take a similar path. Imagine a spiritual F40 successor powered by the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 from the SF90—minus the hybrid system. That engine already delivers 769 hp by itself. Pair it with a gated manual transmission, rear-wheel drive, and stripped-down weight, and you’d have a car that’s less about lap times and more about feel.
And who better to fine-tune such a machine than Lewis Hamilton himself?
The Bigger Picture
Hamilton, a seven-time Formula 1 champion, is one of the sport’s most successful drivers ever—tied with Michael Schumacher. Notably, Schumacher helped develop the Ferrari Enzo, a worthy F40 descendant. Hamilton could do something similar today, helping create a car that reclaims Ferrari’s visceral heritage in a modern form.
We don’t know yet if Ferrari will greenlight this project. But if they do, and if Hamilton’s vision becomes reality, it could reignite the passion of purists everywhere—and carve out a new legacy in Ferrari’s storied history.