Lewis Hamilton had made car enthusiasts dream, but his wish for a V12 hypercar will not come true.
When he joined Ferrari in 2024, Lewis Hamilton mentioned his ambition to create an F44 V12 hypercar. It would be a modern tribute to the legendary F40. The car would have featured a naturally aspirated V12 engine and a manual gearbox. But according to recent reports, Ferrari has now canceled the project.
The F44 V12 hypercar, a dream for Hamilton
The idea seemed very promising. Fans could have seen a hypercar similar to the F40 and F50. It would also have combined the charm of a V12 engine with the unique feel of a manual gearbox.
Hamilton is famous for his love of analog cars and pure mechanics. He saw this project as a way to leave his mark at Ferrari. The car’s name, F44, would have reflected his racing number.
Ferrari confirms the project’s cancellation
Several sources close to Ferrari confirm they have « quietly abandoned » the project. Journalist Giorgio Terruzzi is among them. Reasons are multiple. First, the tricky sporting climate of 2025, with disappointing results for Hamilton. Second, Ferrari’s industrial strategy now focuses on hybrid engines. This is also reflected in the launch of the SC40.
Between hope and industrial reality
Hamilton’s F44 V12 hypercar oscillated between personal desire and real feasibility. Italian journalists note that Ferrari usually makes iconic models for anniversaries or historical tributes. Hamilton had hoped for a very limited series in his image.
The project never received official confirmation. Moreover, the SC40, inspired by the F40’s style, is equipped with a hybrid V6. This shows that Ferrari prioritizes its technological roadmap over the wishes of a single driver, even a superstar.
The contrast between Hamilton’s V12 hypercar and the SC40
The difference between Hamilton’s F44 and the SC40 is striking. A V12 engine versus a hybrid V6. Manual gearbox versus F1 dual-clutch. An analog concept versus modern performance optimized for lap times.
The Scuderia chose to meet commercial demand for an F40 tribute. At the same time, it defends its technological orientation. This then relegates Hamilton’s idea to the level of fantasy.
A reflection of internal tensions
This decision is far from being isolated. During his first season in Ferrari, Hamilton had only poor qualifying. He did not score any podiums and accumulated much frustration.
President John Elkann even publicly reminded drivers to « talk less and drive more. » This shows a team focus on discipline rather than individual eccentricity. One thing is then certain, the British driver’s dream is definitely over.
