Lewis Hamilton hears hard TRUTH about Ferrari as he’s told to…read more
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone expressed skepticism about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, suggesting that the seven-time world champion may face significant challenges within the team. Ecclestone, who led Formula 1 from 1987 to 2017, believes that Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari could create internal friction, particularly given the team’s existing commitment to Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes after a successful 12-year tenure, during which he secured seven world titles, was a major development in the racing world. His move to Ferrari pairs him with Leclerc, a driver who has been with the Italian team since 2019 and is fluent in Italian, potentially giving him an edge in team dynamics.
Ecclestone highlighted the potential for internal conflict, stating, “Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies because he has suddenly arrived. I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari.” He emphasized Leclerc’s established position within the team, noting, “Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language, so they’ll be looking after him.”
Leclerc’s deep-rooted connection with Ferrari began with his induction into the Ferrari Driver Academy in 2016. After a stint with Sauber, he replaced Kimi Raikkonen to partner with Sebastian Vettel. Ecclestone suggests that Hamilton’s presence might not be universally welcomed within the team, given Leclerc’s established rapport.
Beyond team dynamics, Ecclestone questioned Hamilton’s current motivation levels. Reflecting on Hamilton’s illustrious career, he remarked, “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation’. If he had never won a world championship, it might be … .” He further commented on Hamilton’s talent, stating, “He has a lot of talent as … .”
Ecclestone also touched upon Hamilton’s off-track pursuits and personal style, expressing disapproval of his fashion choices and extracurricular activities, such as his involvement in music. He stated, “Lewis gets himself up front in a … . How a guy who has won a … . I don’t know why he does all … ”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most anticipated driver switches in the sport’s history. Announced at the start of 202 … fans have eagerly awaited his debut in the iconic red car. The unveiling event garnered significant attention, with Hamilton instantly generating substantial revenue for the team’s new sponsors.
However, Ecclestone remains skeptical about the longevity and success of Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari. He remarked, “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.”
This isn’t the first time Ecclestone has been critical of Hamilton. Their relationship has been marked by public disagreements, with Ecclestone previously stating that Hamilton “didn’t deserve” his knighthood in … . Hamilton has also responded to Ecclestone’s controversial statements in the past, particularly those supporting Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response, Hamilton said, “We don’t need any more of it … . I cannot believe I heard that.”
As Hamilton embarks on this new chapter with Ferrari, the racing community will keenly observe how he navigates the internal dynamics of the team and whether he can maintain his competitive edge. Ecclestone’s comments underscore the challenges that may lie ahead, both in terms of team integration and personal motivation.
Hamilton’s partnership with Leclerc will be particularly scrutinized. Leclerc, having been with Ferrari for several years, has established himself as a formidable driver with a deep understanding of the team’s culture and operations. His fluency in Italian further cements his strong connection with the team, potentially placing Hamilton at a disadvantage in terms of internal communications and relationships.
Moreover, Ferrari’s historical preference for nurturing homegrown talent could mean that Leclerc remains the focal point of their efforts. Ecclestone’s assertion that “the team are happy with Charles Le … ” suggests that Hamilton may need to work harder to earn the same level of trust and support within the team.
Hamilton’s age and the stage of his career also factor into Ecclestone’s skepticism. At 40, Hamilton is one of the older drivers on the grid. Ecclestone’s comments about Hamilton potentially losing motivation reflect a broader concern about whether veteran drivers can maintain the same level of competitiveness and drive as their younger counterparts.
Off the track, Hamilton’s diverse interests, including his ventures into fashion and music, have set him apart from many of his peers. While these pursuits have broadened his appeal and brand, they have also attracted criticism from traditionalists within the sport. Ecclestone’s remarks about Hamilton’s “other nonsense” highlight a tension between the driver’s personal brand and the expectations of the Formula 1 establishment.
In conclusion, while Hamilton’s move to Ferrari represents a significant milestone in his illustrious career, it is not without potential pitfalls. Ecclestone’s insights shed light on the challenges Hamilton may face, from internal team politics to questions about his enduring motivation and focus. As the
