Lewis Hamilton and Mike Elliott (inset). Credit: Getty Images×
A recent report from Motorsport Italia suggests a potential reunion between Mike Elliott and Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari next season. Elliott was instrumental in Mercedes’ dominance during their 2014–2020 era, and the possibility of the pair collaborating again at Maranello in 2025 has sparked significant interest.
Hamilton is all set to move to Ferrari next year after signing a multi-year contract with the Prancing Horse in February. As for Elliott, he stepped down from his role as Chief Technical Officer at Mercedes last year, preceding the team’s decision to swap him with James Allison
Elliott is currently on mandatory gardening leave, but should be free to join a team by the beginning of 2025. With Enrico Cardile’s recent move to Aston Martin, Ferrari’s Technical Director position remains unoccupied, making Elliott a potential candidate for the role.
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Notably, Ferrari is undergoing significant internal restructuring following the departures of Mattia Binotto and David Sanchez. Enrico Cardile’s decision to leave in 2025 further complicates matters. Amidst this turmoil, Fred Vasseur is leading the recovery effort, with Diego Tondi as his key ally.
Tondi is currently the Chief Aerodynamicist at Maranello, having been appointed to this role in August. He would want to have someone like Mike Elliott on his team to bolster Ferrari’s technical department.
It’s no secret that the Italian team is likely to fail in their efforts to rope in Adrian Newey, the greatest aerodynamicist in Formula 1. This is mainly because Newey is unwilling to shift to Italy from Great Britain. As a result, Elliott emerges as a compelling alternative.
The British engineer worked as an aerodynamicist for the Silver Arrows, helping them win eight back-to-back Constructors’ Championships. He also played a role in Lewis Hamilton’s six drivers’ titles.
Ferrari boss applauds Lewis Hamilton following his return to form
Lewis Hamilton celebrates on the podium after the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring (Photo by Qian Jun/MB Media/Getty Images)
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur recently praised Lewis Hamilton for his resurgence. If the Mercedes ace manages to keep hold of his form, it would only benefit Ferrari in the long run.
“We certainly know the positive aspects of Lewis’ arrival, such as his great experience,” Vasseur told Sky Italia. “Everyone since the beginning of the season has said that Russell is faster than him, but at the moment he is the one who has brought more points to Mercedes. So in terms of efficiency, I think he is a good point of reference.”
The 39-year-old has enjoyed a resurgence, clinching two victories (his first since 2021) and securing two additional podium finishes in the last five races. This impressive form has propelled him to sixth in the Drivers’ Championship with 150 points, a comfortable 34-point advantage over teammate George Russell.
