Lewis Hamilton Calls for a Modern Successor to the Iconic Ferrari F40

In a surprising and exciting twist for classic Ferrari enthusiasts, seven-time Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton has expressed his desire to help create a modern successor to the legendary Ferrari F40, a car widely regarded as one of the most iconic Ferraris ever built.

Now part of the Scuderia Ferrari F1 team, Hamilton recently spoke out about his vision for what he’s calling the "F44", a car that would pay homage to the raw, analog spirit of the original F40, while incorporating selective modern advancements. What’s perhaps most striking is Hamilton’s insistence that it feature a manual gearbox, something rarely seen in today’s supercar landscape dominated by dual-clutch automatics and hybrid systems.

"I’d love to see Ferrari build a modern F40 – raw, light, and with a manual. There’s something special about that connection between car and driver. It’s something we’re losing." Lewis Hamilton

The original Ferrari F40, launched in 1987 to celebrate the brand’s 40th anniversary, was the final car personally approved by Enzo Ferrari. It became an instant classic, known for its twin-turbocharged V8, lightweight construction, and no-frills, aggressive styling. Built purely for performance and driving purity, it set the standard for modern supercars and has remained a benchmark in the collector car world.

Hamilton’s concept of a modern F40 would not be just another high-horsepower hypercar. Instead, it would prioritize driver engagement over outright speed, appealing directly to enthusiasts who long for the tactile, analog experience of Ferraris from the 1980s and '90s.

This idea comes at a time when Ferrari is exploring new territories with hybrid and electric drivetrains. Hamilton’s proposal could offer a refreshing counterpoint: a back-to-basics Ferrari for purists, styled with heritage cues and engineered for feel rather than numbers.

While Ferrari has not officially responded to Hamilton’s suggestion, the idea has already generated significant buzz among fans and automotive media alike. For collectors and enthusiasts of classic Ferraris, the possibility of an “F44” built in the spirit of the original F40 is a thrilling prospect—especially if it retains the signature manual gearbox, a rarity in the modern supercar market.

If Hamilton gets his wish, the F44 could become a bridge between Ferrari’s glorious past and its technologically advanced future.

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