Lewis Hamilton’s 40th birthday saw wishes and tributes pouring in from Ferrari, his former team Mercedes and F1 fans all around the world.
As he embarks on a new chapter with Scuderia Ferrari, Hamilton’s birthday not only highlights his personal achievements but also sets the stage for what promises to be a pivotal year in his illustrious career.
Having transitioned from Mercedes, where he spent 12 remarkable seasons and secured six of his seven World Championships, Lewis Hamilton’s 40th birthday coincides with his move to Ferrari for 2025 F1 which has generated considerable excitement and speculation within the Formula 1 community.
As the seven-time F1 world champion steps into the new role with the Scuderia he becomes the second-oldest driver on the grid, trailing only Fernando Alonso who will turn 44 later this year.
Hamilton’s journey in Formula 1 began when he made his competitive debut for McLaren in 2007 at the age of 22. He quickly made history by winning his first drivers’ title just a year later.
Over the years, the British driver has become synonymous with excellence in motorsport, holding records for the most Grand Prix victories(105), podiums(202) and pole positions(104).
His remarkable career has been characterized by resilience and determination, and as he turns 40, he remains committed to achieving further greatness.
The announcement of Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was made in early 2024, and since then, anticipation has been building among fans and analysts alike. The iconic red team is known for its rich history and competitive spirit, and his addition to their lineup is viewed as a strategic move aimed at returning to championship-winning form.
The partnership with Charles Leclerc is particularly exciting; both drivers are known for their skill and tenacity on the track. Together, they form one of the most formidable driver lineups in recent F1 history.
On Lewis Hamilton’s 40th birthday, Ferrari shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, featuring a video of a red birthday cake adorned with the words “Auguri Lewis,” which translates to “Best Wishes” in Italian.
This gesture reflects Ferrari’s eagerness to welcome Hamilton into their fold as they prepare for the upcoming season. The post quickly garnered significant attention, racking up over 250,000 likes within hours.
Mercedes also reacted to Lewis Hamilton’s 40th birthday by extending their wishes despite their recent split. The relationship between Hamilton and Mercedes was historic; during their time together from 2013 to 2024, he achieved an astonishing 84 race wins and six world championships.
Mercedes shared a nostalgic image of Hamilton celebrating one of his last victories with the team at Silverstone in 2024 along with a warm message wishing him well in Italian.
As Hamilton steps into this new role at Ferrari, discussions surrounding age and performance have emerged. While some skeptics question whether a driver can maintain peak performance past the age of 40, his recent performances suggest otherwise.
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Last season saw him deliver impressive results, including an unexpected victory at Silverstone and a masterful defense against reigning champion Max Verstappen in Hungary.
These moments demonstrate that age may be just a number when it comes to talent and experience on the racetrack.
Historically, only a handful of drivers have continued racing successfully into their forties. Nigel Mansell remains the last driver to win a Grand Prix at age 41 during the 1994 Australian GP.
However, both Hamilton and Alonso are redefining expectations for older drivers in Formula 1. Their ability to compete at high levels serves as an inspiration for younger drivers while also challenging traditional notions about longevity in motorsport.
