Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has launched a scathing attack on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, labeling it a “financial marketing project” rather than a genuine attempt to win championships. The 95-year-old has never shied away from speaking his mind, and his latest comments have sent shockwaves through the F1 paddock. Ecclestone believes Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari was driven more by image and finance than a desire to succeed on the track.
Ecclestone’s criticism is not limited to Hamilton; he also questions Ferrari’s leadership, suggesting the team lacks the decisive authority it once had. “The problem is that Ferrari needs a dictator at the top to be successful,” he said. “They don’t speak Italian there – they speak Ferrari. Everyone in Italy has a say and interferes, deciding what’s right and what’s wrong.” Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has been criticized by Ecclestone for being too weak, saying he is not the “dictator” Ferrari needs.
Hamilton is currently struggling to adapt to his new team, and Ecclestone believes everything is “slipping out of his control.” The seven-time world champion has failed to secure a podium finish this season, and his teammate Charles Leclerc is outperforming him. Ecclestone thinks Hamilton’s focus might be drifting away from racing, suggesting he will “do more with fashion in the future” .
Despite the criticism, Ferrari remains optimistic about their partnership with Hamilton. Team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized that both driver and team are still in the early stages of building a working relationship. “When you bring someone of Lewis’s caliber into a new environment, adaptation takes time,” Vasseur explained. Ferrari is looking forward to the 2026 regulation changes, which they believe will give them a chance to challenge for the championship again.
Ecclestone’s comments come as no surprise, given his history of controversy. However, they highlight the challenges Hamilton faces in his first season with Ferrari. The British driver has expressed his commitment to the team, but only time will tell if he can turn things around and make Ferrari a championship contender once again.
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