Ex-Formula 1 owner reveals why Lewis Hamilton has ‘lot of enemies’ at Ferrari “it’s due to…read more
Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone, now 96, has once again voiced his criticisms of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, this time focusing on Hamilton’s recent move to Ferrari. Ecclestone, who stepped down from his role in 2017 when Hamilton had secured three of his seven titles with Mercedes, has a history of clashing with the British driver. Their disagreements have ranged from Ecclestone banning Hamilton from using Snapchat during official events to criticizing his dominance in the sport.
In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Ecclestone expressed skepticism about Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari for the 2025 season. He emphasized the team’s existing commitment to Charles Leclerc, who has been with Ferrari since 2019 and is fluent in Italian, which strengthens his bond with the team. Ecclestone remarked, “Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his team-mate. Leclerc speaks their language, so they’ll be looking after him.” He further suggested that even if Hamilton performs well, he might face internal challenges due to his newcomer status: “Even if Lewis does well, there’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived.”
Ecclestone also questioned Hamilton’s current motivation and passion for racing. Reflecting on Hamilton’s illustrious career, he said, “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’ If he had never won a world championship, … .” This sentiment suggests that Ecclestone believes Hamilton may lack the drive that propelled him to his previous successes.
Beyond his on-track performance, Hamilton is renowned for his distinctive fashion sense and involvement in various off-track activities, including music and activism. Ecclestone criticized these pursuits, stating, “Lewis gets himself up front in a … How a guy who has won a … .” He added, “I don’t know why he does all … ” These comments highlight Ecclestone’s disapproval of Hamilton’s lifestyle choices and public persona.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been one of the most anticipated driver transfers in Formula 1 history. Announced at the start of 202 … fans have eagerly awaited his debut in the iconic red car. The official unveiling garnered significant media attention, extending beyond the typical motorsport coverage. Hamilton’s star power has already attracted new sponsors to Ferrari, showcasing his significant marketability.
However, Ecclestone remains doubtful about the success of this partnership. He previously described Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari as a “strange move” and suggested that it might have been driven by ego on the part of Ferrari’s leadership. He commented, “For John Elkann, it was a big ego thing. He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen. When he signed him there was nothing to indicate he was wrong in that assessment. Whether he is still happy with that is another story. Only time will tell.” Ecclestone’s remarks imply that Ferrari’s chairman might already be reconsidering the decision to bring Hamilton on board.
Ecclestone also highlighted the potential internal team dynamics that could pose challenges for Hamilton. He emphasized Ferrari’s strong support for Leclerc, stating, “They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They won’t dump him for anyone.” This suggests that Hamilton may not receive the level of support he was accustomed to at Mercedes, potentially leading to internal conflicts.
Reflecting on Hamilton’s career trajectory, Ecclestone advised that if Hamilton feels he is no longer at his peak, he should consider stepping away from the sport. He stated, “If Lewis is fading, which I don’t like to see, he should go away and do something else, and do a good job at it.” This advice underscores Ecclestone’s belief that athletes should retire when they are no longer performing at their best.
In summary, Bernie Ecclestone’s recent comments reflect his ongoing skepticism about Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari. He questions Hamilton’s motivation, criticizes his off-track pursuits, and doubts the success of his partnership with Leclerc. As the 2025 season approaches, it remains to be seen how Hamilton will adapt to his new environment and whether he can silence his critics by achieving success with the Scuderia.
