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Bernie Ecclestone Questions Hamilton’s Longevity at Ferrari, Warns of potential regret.
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton’s long-term future with Ferrari, suggesting that the seven-time world champion may not see out the full duration of his two-year contract with the team.
Ecclestone, who controlled the sport for three decades from 1987 to 2017, expressed concerns that Ferrari might come to regret signing Hamilton. The British racing icon’s high-profile move to the Italian outfit, announced just over a year ago, sent shockwaves through the F1 world, reshaping the sport’s competitive landscape. However, as anticipation builds for Hamilton’s debut with Ferrari, several figures within the sport have questioned whether the partnership will live up to expectations.
Ecclestone, 94, has now joined the ranks of skeptics, suggesting that Hamilton’s time at Ferrari might be shorter than expected. Speaking to The Telegraph, he stated, “He won’t last that long.” He added that Piero Ferrari, a key figure in bringing Hamilton to the team, remains confident in the decision. However, Ecclestone cautioned that Ferrari may later realize they acted hastily. “I hope they have [made the right choice]. I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t,” he remarked.
Leclerc’s Advantage Over Hamilton
One of Ecclestone’s key concerns is Hamilton’s ability to integrate into Ferrari’s culture, particularly in comparison to his future teammate, Charles Leclerc. The former Brabham team owner believes that Leclerc, who has been with the team since 2019, will naturally receive more attention and support within the squad.
“I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari,” Ecclestone explained. “Firstly, the team are happy with Charles Leclerc, his teammate. Leclerc speaks their language—he is fluent in Italian—so they’ll be looking after him.”
Even if Hamilton performs well, Ecclestone predicts that the Briton could face resistance within the team, as some members may not fully embrace his arrival. “There’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived,” he added.
Questioning Hamilton’s Motivation
Ecclestone also shared his thoughts on Hamilton’s motivation, suggesting that the veteran driver may no longer have the same hunger for success as he did earlier in his career. While acknowledging that age alone is not the decisive factor in a driver’s decline, Ecclestone believes the length of time spent competing at the highest level can lead to mental fatigue.
“It’s not the age with drivers, it’s how long they have been doing the same thing,” he explained. “I have thought with Lewis, ‘He’s getting tired. He has lost motivation.’”
According to Ecclestone, Hamilton’s seven world championships may have diminished his drive to push for more titles. He suggested that if Hamilton had never won a championship, his determination might still be as strong as ever. “If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven,” he noted.
Despite these concerns, Hamilton remains determined to prove his doubters wrong as he embarks on a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025.
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