Ferrari Move Faces Challenges Warns Bernie....

Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari Move Faces Challenges, Warns Bernie….read more

Lewis Hamilton’s anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has generated significant excitement, with many fans and experts imagining the seven-time world champion joining the iconic Italian team. However, not all believe this will be a smooth transition for the Briton. In fact, some experts predict that Hamilton’s time with Ferrari could be fraught with challenges, and there are concerns that he might struggle to thrive within the team dynamic, particularly in relation to his relationship with teammate Charles Leclerc.

Hamilton is set to partner with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur and Leclerc, who has become the face of the Scuderia’s future. This move marks the end of Hamilton’s successful and long tenure with Mercedes, a team with which he has won six of his seven world championships and established himself as one of F1’s all-time greats. Hamilton also secured his first championship back in 2008 with McLaren, before embarking on his legendary journey with Mercedes.

Despite the optimism around Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on whether the British driver will be able to reach the pinnacle of his career with the Scuderia. Ecclestone, who has always been closely involved in the workings of Formula 1, made a blunt assessment of Hamilton’s prospects during an interview with the Daily Mail. He expressed skepticism over whether Hamilton could challenge for an eighth world title with Ferrari, particularly considering the internal team dynamics that might make it difficult for him to flourish.

When asked whether Hamilton could surpass Michael Schumacher’s record by claiming an eighth world championship with Ferrari, Ecclestone did not mince words. “I believe he won’t,” Ecclestone said. “I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis. Especially in that team.” According to Ecclestone, Ferrari’s loyalty will likely remain with Leclerc, who has been with the team for several years and is considered a key part of Ferrari’s long-term plans.

Ecclestone’s comments reflect a widespread concern within the F1 community about how Ferrari will manage the balance between Hamilton and Leclerc. Leclerc, who joined Ferrari in 2019 after rising through their driver academy, has established a strong connection with the team and their passionate fan base, the Tifosi. He is seen as the team’s future star, with many experts believing that Ferrari will continue to focus on his development and championship aspirations. This could lead to a situation where Hamilton, despite his pedigree and reputation, may not receive the same level of backing from the team.

“Ferrari will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They won’t dump him for anyone,” Ecclestone asserted, emphasizing that Ferrari’s allegiance to their Monegasque driver is unlikely to change, even with the arrival of a driver as successful as Hamilton. This potentially creates a complicated situation for Hamilton, who is known for his competitive spirit and desire to have full backing in the pursuit of championships.

Despite these challenges, Ecclestone acknowledged that Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes may not have been a mistake. He suggested that the relationship between Hamilton and his current team had reached its natural conclusion. Mercedes, which has been a dominant force in F1 for the past decade, has shown signs of struggling in recent seasons, particularly with the rise of Red Bull and Max Verstappen’s dominance. “From Lewis’ point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari,” Ecclestone noted. “He couldn’t exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he’s given up with them, or they have given up on him.” Mercedes has faced significant challenges in recent seasons, particularly with its car design, and the team’s performance has been inconsistent, leaving Hamilton in a position where a fresh start might be the best option for his career.

Ecclestone’s view reflects the reality of Hamilton’s current situation at Mercedes. With the team trailing behind Ferrari by 175 points in the Constructors’ Championship, it’s clear that Mercedes is not in a position to challenge Red Bull’s dominance at the moment. Hamilton’s decision to leave may well have been driven by his desire for a team that can provide him with the tools and support needed to win an eighth title, particularly as he continues to battle against the ever-strong Verstappen.

The move to Ferrari presents Hamilton with a new challenge, but also an opportunity to revive his championship aspirations. However, Ferrari’s current focus on Leclerc, coupled with the team’s internal politics, could prove to be significant obstacles for Hamilton. As Ecclestone noted, the Italian team’s loyalty to Leclerc, and the fact that he has become the face of their future, might limit Hamilton’s ability to assert himself as the team’s number-one driver. This dynamic could impact Hamilton’s ability to achieve his goal of surpassing Schumacher’s record of seven championships, with many now wondering whether Ferrari will truly be the right environment for him to continue his championship-winning career.

Ultimately, while Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari is a bold one, it comes with significant risks. Ecclestone’s verdict suggests that the transition could be difficult for Hamilton, and his ability to achieve success with the Scuderia will largely depend on how Ferrari balances its support between him and Leclerc. The coming years will be pivotal in determining whether Hamilton can continue to compete at the highest level in Formula 1, or whether his move to Ferrari will prove to be a step too far.