Bernie Ecclestone Suggests Lewis Hamilton Should Quit F1 Ahead

Bernie Ecclestone Suggests Lewis Hamilton Should Quit F1 Ahead of…..read more

Former Formula 1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone has made headlines with his suggestion that Lewis Hamilton should consider stepping away from the sport ahead of his expected move to Ferrari in 2025. Ecclestone, a long-time figure in the F1 world, commented on Hamilton’s situation amidst a series of poor performances and increasing uncertainty surrounding his future with Mercedes. This advice comes at a time when the seven-time world champion’s future in the sport is up for debate, especially with speculation that he might be considering a break before joining the Italian team.

Earlier this year, it was confirmed that Hamilton would be leaving Mercedes after the 2024 season and joining Ferrari for the 2025 season, marking a dramatic change after over a decade with the Silver Arrows. The announcement, which came ahead of Hamilton even driving the 2024 Mercedes car, was an indication that the British driver was already contemplating life beyond his current team. This transition, however, has been marred by frustration with Mercedes’ performance in the 2024 season. Despite being one of the sport’s most successful drivers, Hamilton has struggled with the car’s lack of pace, leading to disappointing results, including a poor showing at the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished 11th in the sprint race and 10th in the main race.

In light of these performances, Hamilton has expressed his dissatisfaction with the car’s performance, and after the Brazilian GP, he even mentioned needing a “holiday,” hinting that he might be contemplating a longer break from racing before making the jump to Ferrari. This comment, coupled with the struggling form of both Hamilton and his teammate George Russell, has led to growing speculation about the driver’s future in F1, especially as he appears to be trailing Russell in the points standings this season.

Ecclestone, who led F1 for decades, has weighed in on the situation, offering a rather blunt piece of advice: if Hamilton is indeed fading as a driver, he should consider stepping away from the sport altogether. Ecclestone expressed disappointment at the idea of Hamilton no longer performing at his best but suggested that if Hamilton was no longer at the peak of his abilities, he should leave F1 and pursue other ventures.

The former F1 boss also pointed out the financial and personal sacrifices Hamilton would face if he chose to walk away from racing. “He would have to walk away from a lot financially,” Ecclestone said, acknowledging the substantial earnings that come with Hamilton’s current contract, which is among the most lucrative in the sport. However, Ecclestone believes that the bonuses and clauses in Hamilton’s deal are likely designed more to make the driver “feel good” than to reflect his actual performance or value to the team in the long run.

Ecclestone also made a remark about Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton, suggesting that for John Elkann, the chairman of Ferrari’s parent company, it was more about ego than pragmatic decision-making. “For John Elkann, the guy who runs it, it was a big ego thing,” said Ecclestone. “He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen.” While Ecclestone acknowledged that there was no reason to doubt Hamilton’s abilities when he was signed, he implied that the situation might not look as promising today, with Hamilton’s performance not matching the expectations that Ferrari likely had when they made their offer.

This leads to a crucial question: is Hamilton still the “best guy” for Ferrari, as Elkann once believed, or has his star faded? Ecclestone seems to suggest that only time will tell whether Ferrari will be satisfied with their choice. He also raised the point that if Hamilton’s performances continue to decline, it might not only affect his prospects at Ferrari but could also diminish his legacy in the sport.

Another interesting angle brought up by Ecclestone is Hamilton’s stance on the aging generation of drivers. The 39-year-old Briton has previously voiced his desire to see younger drivers take the spotlight, and he has been vocal about the need for F1 to embrace new talent. In light of this, Ecclestone pointed out that Hamilton is now considered part of the older generation of drivers in F1, which may complicate matters as younger, hungrier talent continues to rise through the ranks.

Hamilton’s situation, as Ecclestone points out, is a complex one. While there is no doubt about his immense talent and accomplishments in the sport, his struggles with the 2024 Mercedes car and the looming change to Ferrari suggest that Hamilton may be facing a crossroads in his career. The big question remains whether he will be able to find success with the Scuderia or if his time in F1 has come to an end.

Ecclestone’s comments, while blunt, reflect a broader concern about Hamilton’s future in F1 and the potential challenges that lie ahead for the iconic driver. As Hamilton prepares for his move to Ferrari, his legacy in the sport is already secure, but whether he can add to that legacy with another championship title remains to be seen. For now, though, the idea of Hamilton stepping away from F1 entirely, as Ecclestone suggested, is one that might resonate with those who have witnessed the rise and potential decline of one of the sport’s greatest talents.