Bernie Ecclestone, the former CEO of Formula 1 who expertly oversaw the sport for nearly four decades starting in 1987 through the creation of the Formula One Group, has expressed skepticism about Lewis Hamilton‘s potential to clinch an eighth world championship title while racing for Ferrari.
Having spent over 11 successful years with the Mercedes team, Hamilton made headlines by announcing his switch to Ferrari earlier this year, hoping that the iconic Italian team would finally help him snatch the elusive eighth title that had slipped through his fingers during his tenure at Brackley, especially as Mercedes faced challenges in adapting to the new wave of ground effect cars that have elevated Red Bull’s performance.
Ferrari, having injected renewed hope into its campaign last year by becoming the only outfit aside from Red Bull to secure a race win—thanks to Carlos Sainz’s stunning triumph at the Singapore Grand Prix—seemed to be an enticing proposition for the legendary Hamilton, who was drawn to the team’s illustrious history, celebrated for its passionate commitment to speed and excellence in the sport.
Despite the hopeful signs surrounding Ferrari, the 94-year-old Ecclestone, who was spotted at the recent Sao Paulo Grand Prix, remarked that Hamilton’s acquisition might serve more as a strategic move to bolster Ferrari chairperson John Elkann’s image than as a true sporting endeavor. When posed with the question of whether Hamilton stands a chance to add to his championship tally, Ecclestone candidly replied to the Daily Mail:
“I believe he won’t.”
“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis. Especially in that team. They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there. They won’t dump him for anyone.”
Furthermore, when pressed on whether Hamilton should have considered retiring from F1 prior to joining Ferrari, Ecclestone pointed out the significant financial sacrifices involved:
“He would have to walk away from a lot financially.”
“It is a big deal he has got, though I suspect the bonus clauses written into his contract are there to make him feel good rather than reality.”
“For John Elkann, the guy who runs it, it was a big ego thing. He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen.”
“When he signed him there was nothing to indicate he was wrong in that assessment. Whether he is still happy with that is another story. Only time will tell.”
“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.”
**Interview with Bernie Ecclestone on Lewis Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Mr. Ecclestone. You’ve made some striking comments about Lewis Hamilton’s recent switch to Ferrari. Can you elaborate on your concerns regarding his potential success there?
**Bernie Ecclestone:** Well, it’s great to be here. My concerns stem from the fact that Ferrari is not an easy environment for any driver, especially when you have someone like Charles Leclerc as your teammate. The team will not want to undermine Charles’s growth and performance, which could make things challenging for Hamilton.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting point. Hamilton has had a stellar career with Mercedes and won multiple championships. Why do you believe he might struggle at Ferrari?
**Bernie Ecclestone:** The dynamics of the team are crucial. When you join a new outfit, you have to adapt not only to the car but also to the team’s culture and how decisions are made. Ferrari’s history is rich, but they have faced their share of turmoil. Plus, with the current performance issues that Mercedes has faced, Hamilton might be jumping into another unpredictable situation.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that this move could serve more as a strategic enhancement for Ferrari’s image rather than purely a sporting decision. Can you explain that further?
**Bernie Ecclestone:** Absolutely. Having a driver of Hamilton’s caliber certainly boosts the brand and reputation of Ferrari, bringing attention and credibility. It’s a move that looks great on paper and can attract sponsorships and fans—however, whether it translates into championship success remains to be seen.
**Interviewer:** Given the current competition from Red Bull and some promising signs from Ferrari, do you think Hamilton will even be able to compete for the title again?
**Bernie Ecclestone:** With the way things are, it won’t be easy. He’s in a tough environment, facing both teammate competition and an uphill battle against established teams like Red Bull. If you ask me, the road to his eighth title might be a bit rocky at Ferrari.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Mr. Ecclestone. It’s always a pleasure to hear your thoughts on the latest developments in Formula 1.
**Bernie Ecclestone:** Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for the sport, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
