Ecclestone Cautions Hamilton: Ferrari Won't Be an Easy Ride

Ecclestone Cautions Hamilton: Ferrari Won’t Be an Easy Ride

Bernie Ecclestone, the 94-year-old former Formula 1 boss, has issued a warning to seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton about his impending move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Ecclestone, never shy of voicing his opinions, expressed doubts about Hamilton’s prospects at Ferrari, foreseeing potential challenges with his teammate Charles Leclerc and the team’s established hierarchy.

Ferrari’s Allegiance to Leclerc

Ecclestone emphasized that Ferrari will likely prioritize Charles Leclerc, who has been with the team since 2019 and has earned their trust. “They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They won’t dump him for anyone,” Ecclestone stated in a conversation with the Daily Mail. Leclerc’s place in the team hierarchy could complicate Hamilton’s ambitions and, according to Ecclestone, limit his chances of securing a record-breaking 8th World Championship.

Hamilton’s Move: The Right Choice?

Despite his reservations, Ecclestone believes Hamilton has made the right choice by moving on from Mercedes, where he has raced since 2013. With new technical regulations introduced in 2022, Mercedes has struggled to stay competitive, lagging behind Red Bull, Ferrari, and customer team McLaren. Hamilton has faced a challenging season, falling to P7 in the championship standings behind Leclerc and frequently missing out on Q3 during qualifying.

The decision to join Ferrari, announced before the 2024 season even began, represents a fresh start for Hamilton, who will turn 40 over the winter break. Ecclestone noted that Hamilton’s departure from Mercedes may have been driven by a desire for change after a difficult period. However, he acknowledged that Ferrari’s choice to sign Hamilton could raise some doubts internally.

The Ego Factor: Elkann’s Bet on Hamilton

Ferrari Chairman John Elkann’s decision to bring Hamilton to Ferrari, according to Ecclestone, was likely influenced by the prestige associated with signing one of the sport’s most celebrated drivers. “For John Elkann, it was a big ego thing. He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen,” said Ecclestone, adding that Elkann was initially confident in the decision. However, whether Elkann remains confident in Hamilton as the right choice will depend on the driver’s performance in the coming season.

Final Word of Advice

Ecclestone, known for his close relationship with many F1 drivers, concluded with a note of caution for Hamilton. He suggested that if Hamilton’s performance starts to wane, it might be time for him to consider other pursuits. “If Lewis is fading, which I don’t like to see, he should go away and do something else, and do a good job at it,” Ecclestone said, urging Hamilton to ensure that his legacy remains intact.

As the 2025 season approaches, Hamilton’s future at Ferrari is filled with both opportunity and uncertainty. While his talent and experience are undisputed, Ferrari’s loyalty to Leclerc and the team dynamics may create an uphill battle for the British driver as he seeks to