Ferrari F44: Lewis Hamilton’s Vision for a Manual F40 Revival

Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari: The Next F40?

Very few names in motorsport carry more weight than Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari. When the seven-time Formula 1 world champion expressed a desire to build a new F40, the F44, it caught the automotive world very much by surprise. Is Maranello preparing to make one of their most iconic supercars, with the return of the F44?

A Homage to a Legend

The Ferrari F40 is more than a supercar — it’s a monument. Introduced in 1987 to commemorate Ferrari’s 40 years of existence, the F40 is the final car Enzo Ferrari gave his seal of approval to before he passed away. Stripped Down, brutally fast, and unapologetically raw, the F40 set the benchmark for purists and will always be one of the most respected Ferraris of all time. Now, Hamilton dreams of a modern successor, saying:

Now, Hamilton dreams of a modern successor, saying:

"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."

A stick-shift Ferrari in 2025? That’s a bold idea, especially since Ferrari phased out manuals in 2012. Yet, brands like Gordon Murray Automotive and Pagani continue to embrace three-pedal setups, proving there’s a niche for such cars. Could Hamilton’s influence push Ferrari to take the leap?

Is Ferrari on Board?

While Hamilton’s enthusiasm is clear, Ferrari has yet to confirm any official collaboration. However, rumors suggest that the company is indeed considering an F40-inspired revival, potentially as part of its ultra-exclusive Icona series, which has produced models like the Monza SP1/SP2 and the Daytona SP3.

Unlike Ferrari’s recently unveiled F80, which packs over 1,100 horsepower from a hybrid twin-turbo V6, the F44 (if it happens) would focus on driving purity over outright performance. If Ferrari does proceed, it could mark the return of a manual transmission to Maranello, making it one of the most exciting launches in recent years.

A Perfect Storm of Timing

Hamilton's arrival at Ferrari in 2025 already set the stage for major headlines. His first victory in red—winning the Chinese Grand Prix Sprint Race—only adds to the buzz surrounding his tenure with the Scuderia. Now, pairing Hamilton’s name with a potential modern-day F40 successor could be a marketing masterstroke.

Whether Ferrari gives the green light remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: a Lewis Hamilton-inspired, stick-shift Ferrari would be a game-changer. If you want a closer look at Ferrari’s latest designs, click here for an exclusive image gallery.