Lewis Hamilton ‘tired and unmotivated’ theory offered as ‘he won’t last’in…read more
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton’s future with Ferrari, claiming that the seven-time World Champion “won’t last” even two years at the team. After spending 12 successful seasons with Mercedes, Hamilton has moved to Ferrari at the age of 40, with the goal of securing a record-breaking eighth Drivers’ Championship. His decision to join the historic Scuderia team has captured attention, with fans eagerly anticipating his debut with Ferrari, especially as he looks to chase his eighth title.
Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari has dominated headlines over the winter break. The prospect of the sport’s most successful driver joining one of its most legendary teams has excited the Tifosi (Ferrari’s passionate fanbase). However, Hamilton faces significant challenges, not just from his competition on the track, but from within his own team. At 40 years old, Hamilton is already in rare company, as only three drivers in F1 history – the most recent being Sir Jack Brabham over 60 years ago – have won the World Championship at or after the age of 40.
Hamilton’s contract with Ferrari runs for up to three years, but Ecclestone, who was at the helm of Formula 1 for decades, is skeptical about how long the move will last. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Ecclestone stated, “He won’t last that long,” suggesting that Hamilton’s time with Ferrari may not stretch beyond two seasons. Ecclestone is also doubtful about Ferrari’s decision to bring Hamilton on board, despite the team’s optimism. He remarked that while Piero Ferrari, who was instrumental in bringing Hamilton to the team, believes they made the right choice, Ecclestone hopes they won’t regret the decision later.
In addition to the obvious challenge of racing against dominant teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, Hamilton will also need to contend with his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. The 25-year-old Leclerc is widely regarded as a future World Champion and one of the fastest drivers in F1. Hamilton’s age difference with Leclerc – 13 years – could play a key role in their intra-team rivalry.
Ecclestone believes that while age is a factor, the bigger challenge for Hamilton is how long he has been in the sport. “It’s not the age with drivers; it’s how long they have been doing the same thing,” Ecclestone said. He theorizes that Hamilton may be “getting tired” and has “lost motivation” after already achieving so much in his career. Ecclestone added that if Hamilton had not already won seven championships, his drive and motivation might be different. However, with seven titles under his belt, Ecclestone questions whether Hamilton still has the same hunger for victory.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is seen as a new chapter in his illustrious career, but Ecclestone’s comments suggest that the road ahead may not be as straightforward as Hamilton and his fans hope.
