SHUCKING NEWS:Ferrari president “regrets” Lewis Hamilton decision to…. Read more
Ferrari president “regrets” Lewis Hamilton decision
Since the introduction of the new ground effect cars in 2022, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has struggled to maintain the same dominance he once had. The new regulations, designed to improve racing by allowing closer competition, have seemed to highlight Hamilton’s struggles, with his form this season noticeably diminished. The British driver, who once led Mercedes with unparalleled success, has seen his position in the championship standings slip. After losing his lead to teammate George Russell in Brazil, Hamilton now finds himself in seventh place in the standings, with only Sergio Perez from the top four teams below him.
Russell’s rise within the team has been evident, with the young British driver outperforming Hamilton on numerous occasions. In 2023, Russell has beaten Hamilton 20 times in various qualifying sessions, marking a significant shift in the balance of power within the Mercedes team. If Russell continues to outpace Hamilton, he will be the first driver to consistently out-perform the seven-time champion over a three-year period, a clear indication of the changing dynamics between the two.
Despite the challenges he has faced this year, Hamilton did manage to end his win drought, securing victories at the British Grand Prix in Silverstone and the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. However, these wins were not enough to restore him to his former level of dominance. Many now believe that Hamilton, who is approaching the twilight of his career, may be looking to Ferrari as his next potential challenge, hoping to salvage the remaining years of his F1 journey.
The move to Ferrari, however, is not without its challenges. Former Formula 1 chief, Bernie Ecclestone, has advised Hamilton to reconsider his Ferrari contract if he struggles to adapt to the team’s environment next season. In an interview with The Mail, Ecclestone expressed doubts about Hamilton’s future at Ferrari, suggesting that the team would continue to prioritize their current star, Charles Leclerc. “It will not be easy for Lewis, especially in that team,” Ecclestone warned. “They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They are unlikely to replace him with anyone.” This statement highlights the difficult position Hamilton could find himself in if he does not manage to match Leclerc’s performance in the upcoming season.
While Ecclestone acknowledges that Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes was a logical one, he believes the seven-time world champion made the right call by moving on. “He could not continue at Mercedes any longer,” Ecclestone said. “It was clear that either Hamilton had given up on the team or the team had given up on him. Mercedes was no longer doing much to keep him, so moving on was the better option.” This view suggests that Hamilton’s departure from the team, after his three-year battle with Russell, was inevitable, as Mercedes no longer seemed fully invested in his future.
Toto Wolff, the team principal of Mercedes, also addressed Hamilton’s departure earlier this week, shedding light on the short-term nature of their contract. Wolff explained that the one-year extension Hamilton had signed was always meant to be a temporary arrangement, benefiting both the team and the driver. “There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract,” Wolff said, indicating that both parties were prepared for this eventual parting. Wolff also admitted a sense of relief after the news broke, stating that the end of Hamilton’s Mercedes tenure avoided a potentially awkward situation where he would have had to break the news to the legendary driver that his time with the team had come to an end.
Looking ahead to Hamilton’s potential future with Ferrari, Ecclestone suggested that it would not be easy for the seven-time world champion to thrive in a team already firmly backing Leclerc. Despite the lucrative deal Hamilton reportedly has with Ferrari, Ecclestone implied that the financial incentives written into the contract might be more about appeasing Hamilton’s ego than reflecting the actual reality of his competitive situation. “He would have to walk away from a lot of money,” Ecclestone noted, but added that the bonuses likely present in the contract may not represent a true reflection of his ability to succeed with Ferrari.
In summary, while Hamilton’s move to Ferrari marks the next chapter in his illustrious career, it’s clear that the challenges he faces are substantial. Whether he can
About The Author
