Former F1 boss Urges Hamilton to Cancel Ferrari Move and Leave

Former F1 boss Urges Hamilton to Cancel Ferrari Move and Leave F1

Former Formula 1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has made a bold statement, urging Lewis Hamilton to reconsider his upcoming switch to Ferrari and even to consider stepping away from F1 altogether. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, is slated to join Ferrari for the 2025 season, a high-profile deal announced before the start of the current season. However, Ecclestone suggests the British driver should “rip up his Ferrari contract” and retire from the sport.

Struggles at Mercedes

Throughout the 2024 season, Hamilton has faced an uphill battle at Mercedes, a team he’s represented since 2013. The car’s inconsistent performance has been a source of frustration for Hamilton, now 39, who has also struggled to match his younger teammate, George Russell, particularly in qualifying. Despite managing two race victories, Hamilton’s results have been underwhelming by his standards, leaving him in seventh place in the driver standings.

A Potential Break Before Ferrari?

After a challenging weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished 11th in the sprint and 10th in the main race after qualifying poorly, Hamilton hinted he might need a break. His comment about needing a “holiday” has led to speculation about whether he should reconsider his Ferrari deal and perhaps take an extended hiatus from F1 before potentially joining the Italian team.

Ecclestone’s Take: Financial Impact and Legacy Concerns

In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone acknowledged that stepping away from the Ferrari deal would be a significant financial loss for Hamilton, as the contract is likely lucrative with performance bonuses. However, Ecclestone hinted that these bonuses might be more about appearances than reality. “He would have to walk away from a lot financially,” Ecclestone admitted, but argued that Hamilton’s legacy should take precedence.

Ecclestone speculated that Ferrari Chairman John Elkann might already be second-guessing the decision to bring Hamilton on board. “For John Elkann, it was a big ego thing. He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen,” Ecclestone said. “Whether he is still happy with that is another story. Only time will tell.”

Advice for Hamilton: Pursue New Ventures

Known for his close relationships with drivers, Ecclestone advised that if Hamilton’s performance is fading, he should consider moving on from F1 to pursue other interests. “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,” Ecclestone added, implying that Hamilton’s future might lie outside the sport. He also noted that Hamilton is now part of the “older generation” of drivers, perhaps hinting it may be time for a new chapter.

Looking Ahead

As Hamilton’s Ferrari debut approaches, the challenges ahead are evident. Joining Ferrari is an opportunity for Hamilton to reignite his career, but Ecclestone’s cautionary advice underscores the uncertainty surrounding the move. If Hamilton chooses to continue in F1, the 2025 season will reveal if he can still compete at the highest level or if, as Ecclestone suggests, his legacy might best be preserved by stepping away from the grid.