For Lewis Hamilton, his connection with Ferrari now extends far beyond Formula 1. The British driver has published a YouTube video documenting the restoration of his Ferrari F40, a 1991 example that had remained unused for more than three decades before being returned to its original splendour by technicians in Maranello.
The story behind the car makes it particularly special. Lewis Hamilton explained that when he arrived at Ferrari, he specifically wanted the F40 for his first photoshoot with the team because he considers it one of the most legendary cars ever built.
Lewis Hamilton reveals the remarkable history of his Ferrari F40
“When I arrived at Ferrari, I wanted this exact car for my first photoshoot. It is one of the most legendary cars ever built,” Lewis Hamilton said, before explaining the history of the example he eventually acquired. “The first owner bought it in 1991, drove only 69 kilometres and then left it in a garage without ever starting it again.”
That extraordinary history meant the Ferrari F40 had effectively spent more than 30 years dormant before Lewis Hamilton took ownership and entrusted it to Maranello. The full restoration process has now become the subject of a video, following an earlier look at the 69-km Ferrari F40 restoration and the remarkable story behind the car.
Ferrari restores Hamilton’s F40 to its original condition
Once the restoration was complete, Lewis Hamilton made no attempt to hide his emotion at seeing the finished car. “It’s wonderful, it looks as though it has just left the factory.”
The seven-time Formula 1 world champion also recalled how long he had dreamed of owning a Ferrari F40. His attachment to the model dates back to childhood, making the discovery of such an unusual example even more meaningful.
“I always dreamed of owning one. When I found this example, which had been sitting unused for more than 30 years, I knew it had to become mine. For me, it is much more than a car: it is a dream that is finally coming true.”
Hamilton brings the Ferrari F40 to historic Monza
The restored F40 also became the centrepiece of a spectacular photoshoot on Monza’s historic banked section, adding another chapter to Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Ferrari. Away from the race track, at least, the connection with the Prancing Horse continues to deliver deeply personal moments for the British driver.
The restoration and subsequent Monza appearance have now become part of a wider story surrounding one of the most iconic Ferrari road cars, with Lewis Hamilton also turning the project into a dedicated Ferrari F40 documentary chronicling its return to life.
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