As Lewis Hamilton begins his new chapter alongside Charles Leclerc at Ferrari, the seven-time Formula 1 champion has shared a nostalgic vision of what he hopes will come to fruition after he retires from the sport.
In February 2024, the former Mercedes driver confirmed his impending move from the Brackley-based team to Maranello. The switch, allowed thanks to a release clause in his contract, terminated a partnership that yielded six drivers’ titles, 78 pole positions, and 82 Grand Prix wins.
The driver confirmed, “it was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make.”
“The time is right for me to take this step and I’m excited to be taking on a new challenge,” he said. “I will be forever grateful for the incredible support of my Mercedes family, especially Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team principal] for his friendship and leadership and I want to finish on a high together.”
The allure of the Prancing Horse was simply too great. “Every driver dreams of racing for Ferrari,” he admitted.
Now, in an interview with TIME, the Briton has revealed more about his scarlet dreams as he confirms his love for the Ferrari 250 GT California Spyder, the iconic convertible immortalized in the 1986 film Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari SF-25
Photo by: Ferrari
“That’s the ultimate retirement car.
“I can just see myself with Roscoe [his pet bulldog], him with a scarf and goggles in the seat next to me, driving down the PCH.”
The 250 GT California Spyder, produced between 1957 and 1963, remains one of Ferrari’s most iconic models. Designed by Sergio Scaglietti, its beautifully sculpted body, V12 engine, and racing pedigree made it a symbol of 1960s opulence. Only 106 units were built, split between long-wheelbase and short-wheelbase variants, with the latter featuring an uprated 280-horsepower engine and disc brakes.
Due to the rarity of these machines, the 250 GT California Spyder commands extraordinary prices. One belonging to actor Alain Delon sold at an Artcurial auction for almost €16.3 million in 2015, which equates to approximately $18.5 million based on that year’s exchange rate. Adjusted for inflation, that amount would be worth around $24.8 million today.
According to Classic.com, the average value of this car today sits at around $7 million.
Rumours of retirement are rife around Hamilton, but he was keen to shut these down in the same interview.
“What I can tell you is, retirement is nowhere on my radar,” he confirmed. “I could be here until I’m 50, who knows.”
