Lewis Hamilton ‘won’t last’ at Ferrari – former F1 boss…read more
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has expressed skepticism regarding Lewis Hamilton’s recent move to Ferrari, suggesting that the seven-time world champion may not fulfill the duration of his contract with the Italian team. Hamilton, who transitioned from Mercedes to Ferrari at the age of 40, has signed a multi-year deal, but Ecclestone doubts he will see it through.
Ecclestone, now 94, voiced his concerns in an interview, stating, “He won’t last that long. Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. I hope they have. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”
Hamilton’s illustrious career includes seven world championships, but his last title came in 2020. Since then, he has faced challenges, particularly with the advent of the ‘ground effect’ cars and the dominance of drivers like Max Verstappen. Ecclestone believes that Hamilton’s prolonged tenure in the sport has led to a decline in motivation. He remarked, “It’s not the age with drivers, it’s how long they have been doing the same thing. I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’ If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”
The dynamics within Ferrari also concern Ecclestone. He points out that Charles Leclerc, Hamilton’s new teammate, has been with the team for several years and has established a strong rapport. Leclerc’s fluency in Italian and deep integration into the team’s culture could pose challenges for Hamilton. Ecclestone commented, “The team is happy with Charles Leclerc, his teammate. Leclerc speaks their language [Italian], so they’ll be looking after him. Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived.”
Beyond the track, Ecclestone has been critical of Hamilton’s off-track persona. He has previously taken issue with Hamilton’s fashion choices and involvement in ventures outside of racing, such as music. Ecclestone stated, “Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him. How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses… I’m not a fan of that. He has a lot of talent as a driver. As much as people credit him with? No, but still enough to win races. I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most talked-about transitions in recent Formula 1 history. After a 12-year stint with Mercedes, where he secured multiple championships, his decision to join Ferrari was seen by many as a quest for a new challenge and an opportunity to clinch a record-breaking eighth world title. However, Ecclestone remains unconvinced about the move’s potential success. He emphasized, “I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis. Especially in that team. They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They won’t dump him for anyone.”
The upcoming Formula 1 season, set to commence on March 16 at the Australian Grand Prix, will be pivotal for Hamilton. Pre-season testing begins in Bahrain on February 26, where Hamilton will have the opportunity to familiarize himself with Ferrari’s machinery and integrate into the team’s operations. His expertise and detailed feedback are anticipated to be crucial in refining Ferrari’s car to a title-winning standard, much like Michael Schumacher’s influence in the past.
Despite Ecclestone’s reservations, others in the motorsport community are optimistic about Hamilton’s potential impact at Ferrari. Three-time race winner Johnny Herbert expressed confidence in Hamilton’s ability to inspire Ferrari to greatness, emphasizing the importance of his motivational mindset and connection with fans. Herbert stated, “Lewis has that motivational mindset that can inspire a team. His connection with fans and his experience can bring a new energy to Ferrari.”
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari also marks a significant cultural shift. Ferrari, with its rich history and passionate fanbase, presents a different environment compared to Mercedes. Hamilton has acknowledged the unique atmosphere at Maranello and has expressed enthusiasm about driving for the iconic team. In his initial days with Ferrari, he remarked, “Driving a Ferrari is a dream for any driver. The passion here is palpable, and I’m excited to be part of this journey.”
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see how he adapts to his new team and whether he can overcome the challenges highlighted by Ecclestone. The dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc will be particularly scrutinized, as both drivers aim to assert their dominance within the team. Hamilton’s experience and Leclerc’s established rapport with Ferrari set the stage for an intriguing partnership.
While Ecclestone’s skepticism underscores the challenges Hamilton may face at Ferrari, the upcoming season will be the ultimate test of this high-profile partnership. Hamilton’s pursuit of an eighth world title with Ferrari adds a compelling narrative to the 2025 Formula 1 season, promising excitement and drama for fans worldwide.
