Lewis Hamilton Acquires His Dream Ferrari F40, Undergoes Extensive Restoration
Despite previously divesting his entire car collection, renowned Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton has made an exception for a vehicle he always coveted: the Ferrari F40. The seven-time world champion recently shared images on Instagram showcasing his prized acquisition undergoing an extensive refurbishment at the Maranello factory.
This particular Ferrari F40 reportedly remained untouched in a garage for more than 30 years before Hamilton discovered and repatriated it. Indications suggest the vehicle was registered in Italy, implying it might have originated from its homeland. The prior owner's reasons for its prolonged neglect, allowing it to accumulate dust since the 1990s, remain a mystery. This model is one of just over 1,300 F40s ever produced, and notably, the final one personally endorsed by Enzo Ferrari.
Hamilton's admiration for the F40 is well-documented. Following his official announcement to join Ferrari in January 2025, one of the inaugural images from this new chapter depicted him alongside an F40 at Maranello, a carefully orchestrated photograph that became emblematic of his first day with the Scuderia at their historic headquarters. Furthermore, the British racer has expressed interest in collaborating with Ferrari on a contemporary interpretation of the F40, tentatively named the F44, a tribute to his racing number.
The current restoration brings Hamilton's F40 to pristine condition, a process far more involved than a simple cosmetic touch-up, as evidenced by the images of the supercar in various stages of repair, including an engine-out recommissioning. While the purchase price remains undisclosed, a similar F40 with minimal mileage recently commanded €4.3 million (approximately $5 million) at auction. This acquisition and restoration of such a historically significant vehicle mark a compelling new chapter for both Hamilton and the legendary F40, underscoring the enduring appeal of analog supercars.