Ferrari President “Regrets” Lewis Hamilton Decision......

Ferrari President “Regrets” Lewis Hamilton Decision……read more

Lewis Hamilton no, widely regarded as the best Formula 1 driver in terms of qualifying statistics, has faced challenges in recent years, particularly since the introduction of the new ground effect cars in 2022. With a remarkable 104 pole positions, Hamilton has set a benchmark that eclipses even the likes of Michael Schumacher (68), Ayrton Senna (65), Sebastian Vettel (57), and Max Verstappen (40). However, Hamilton’s performance has significantly declined since the shift in car regulations, leaving many to question his future in the sport.

This season, Hamilton has struggled to keep up with his teammate George Russell. The British driver, once the undisputed leader at Mercedes, is now positioned seventh in the drivers’ standings, with only Sergio Perez from Red Bull ranking lower among the top four teams. Russell has outperformed Hamilton consistently, even leading him in qualifying 20 times this season. If Hamilton cannot reverse the trend, Russell will become the first driver to outperform him in a three-year period, further diminishing Hamilton’s dominance.

Despite his troubles in 2023, Hamilton managed to break his race win drought by securing victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, proving that he still has the ability to win. However, it’s clear that he is no longer the driver he once was, and the 39-year-old is now preparing for a new chapter in his career. Reports suggest that Hamilton will join Ferrari, hoping to salvage the latter stages of his career with the iconic Italian team.

Ecclestone Warns Hamilton About Ferrari Move

Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has weighed in on Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes, advising him to reconsider his move to Ferrari if he struggles to match the pace of teammate Charles Leclerc in 2024. Speaking to The Mail, Ecclestone expressed skepticism about Hamilton’s prospects at Ferrari, particularly in light of the team’s backing of Leclerc. “I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis, especially in that team,” Ecclestone said. “They will back Charles Leclerc. He is quick and has grown up there. They will not dump him for anyone.”

Ecclestone, however, defended Hamilton’s decision to part ways with Mercedes after his challenging three-year stint alongside George Russell. He argued that it was clear that Hamilton could no longer thrive at Mercedes, either because he had lost his spark or because the team had moved on from him. “He could not exist any longer at Mercedes,” Ecclestone noted. “Either he has given up with them, or they have given up on him. They would not do much to keep him, so he is better off going.”

Wolff Discusses Hamilton’s Decline

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff has also addressed Hamilton’s decline in form and the decision to only sign a one-year contract extension with him. Wolff explained that the short-term deal was a strategic move for both Hamilton and the team. “There’s a reason why we only signed a one-plus-one-year contract,” Wolff explained. “It allows us to evaluate the situation year by year.”

Wolff further acknowledged the inevitable decline of top athletes, stating that “cognitive sharpness is extremely important” in Formula 1, and that all drivers have a “shelf life.” The Mercedes boss suggested that Hamilton’s performance decline may be part of a natural process in the sport. “I believe everyone has a shelf life,” Wolff said, alluding to the idea that drivers, like all elite athletes, eventually lose their edge.

Wolff also shared that he felt a sense of relief once Hamilton’s decision to leave the team had been finalized. He acknowledged that this move helped avoid the uncomfortable situation where the team would have to tell one of the sport’s most iconic figures that they were no longer relying on him. “I like the situation,” Wolff admitted. “It helps us because it avoids the moment where we need to tell the sport’s most iconic driver that we want to stop.”

As Mercedes looks to the future, Wolff pointed out that F1 teams must prepare for the next generation of drivers, just as top football managers like Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola have anticipated the decline of their star players and brought in fresh talent to drive the team forward.

Looking Ahead

With Hamilton’s potential move to Ferrari, the next few years in Formula 1 could mark the end of an era. While Hamilton’s talent remains undeniable, his recent struggles have cast doubt on his ability to reclaim his former dominance. If his move to Ferrari doesn’t reignite his career, the sport may soon be looking to a new generation of drivers to carry the torch. Wolff’s remarks suggest Mercedes is already planning for the post-Hamilton era, with a clear focus on nurturing young talent to ensure continued success in the years to come. Whether Hamilton can rise to the challenge at Ferrari remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: his time at the top may be drawing to a close.