Hamilton Urged to Walk Away fro

Hamilton Urged to Walk Away from F1, Cancel Ferrari Move as Wolff Confirms……read more

Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, has faced growing frustration this season as Mercedes has struggled with inconsistent car performance. Amidst these struggles, Hamilton’s future beyond the 2024 season has been a topic of much speculation, particularly after news of his impending switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season was confirmed. Now, in light of his struggles and an underwhelming season so far, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has suggested that Hamilton should seriously consider stepping away from the sport entirely, even before making the switch to Ferrari.

Hamilton has spent 21 races in 2024 with the knowledge that he is set to leave Mercedes at the end of the year. This situation has seen the 39-year-old adopt a seemingly disheartened attitude throughout the season. As one of F1’s most successful drivers, Hamilton’s performances have not matched the high expectations many have for him, especially as he battles teammate George Russell. The British driver has struggled to outqualify his younger teammate in many races, contributing to an overall sense of dissatisfaction.

Hamilton’s troubles were particularly evident during the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished 11th in the sprint race and 10th in the main race, having qualified 12th and 16th, respectively. These results have further dampened his morale, and after the weekend’s performances, Hamilton openly admitted that he felt he needed a break, leading some to speculate about the possibility of him delaying his Ferrari move and even considering retirement from F1.

Ecclestone, who previously served as the CEO of F1, weighed in on Hamilton’s future, suggesting that the veteran driver might be better off stepping away from the sport altogether. “He would have to walk away from a lot financially,” Ecclestone said, acknowledging that Hamilton’s current contract is financially lucrative. However, he also pointed out that the deal may be more about boosting Hamilton’s ego than reflecting the current reality of his performances on track.

Ecclestone also commented on the motivations behind Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton, stating that for John Elkann, Ferrari’s chairman, securing Hamilton was seen as a significant ego boost, as the team believed they were signing one of the best drivers the sport has ever seen. “When he signed him, there was nothing to indicate he was wrong in that assessment,” Ecclestone said. “Whether he is still happy with that is another story.” This comment implies that Hamilton’s star power may not be enough to mask his recent struggles, and that Ferrari’s excitement over securing the iconic driver might have cooled if his form continues to decline.

Currently, Hamilton sits in seventh place in the drivers’ standings, despite having claimed two race wins this season. His season has been marked by disappointment as Mercedes has been unable to develop a competitive car capable of challenging the top teams consistently. The German manufacturer has faced several performance issues, which have further contributed to Hamilton’s frustration. While Hamilton has continued to show flashes of brilliance, his overall performance has been hindered by a combination of car issues, inconsistency, and the growing strength of his teammate George Russell, who has been able to outperform him more often than not.

Ecclestone’s comments on Hamilton’s future suggest that he believes the British driver might be fading physically or mentally. At 39, Hamilton is part of F1’s “older generation” of drivers, and while he has been one of the sport’s greatest talents, the constant pressure and toll of competing at the highest level may be taking a toll on him. Ecclestone hinted that Hamilton might be better off pursuing a new challenge outside of F1, rather than continuing to push through a challenging period in his career.

Hamilton has made it clear in the past that he wanted to distance himself from the older generation of drivers who have continued in the sport beyond their prime. Now, with a growing sense of uncertainty surrounding his future in Formula 1, the question remains whether Hamilton will decide to honor his commitment to Ferrari for 2025, or whether he might take a break or retire earlier than expected.

The next few months will be crucial for Hamilton as he faces not only the end of his contract with Mercedes but also the prospect of a new chapter with Ferrari. If his performance continues to decline, it remains to be seen whether he will walk away from the sport, as Ecclestone has suggested, or attempt to revitalize his career in a new environment. One thing is clear: Hamilton’s future in Formula 1 is now uncertain, and many are waiting to see what decisions he will make as the 2024 season draws to a close.