Hamilton Urged to Step Away: Ecclestone Sounds Alarm on Ferrari Struggles
Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has stirred debate by advising Lewis Hamilton to bring an immediate halt to his illustrious career, asserting that continuing would be tantamount to self-deception. Following Hamilton’s abysmal showing at the Hungarian Grand Prix—a venue where he has historically excelled—Ecclestone believes the seven-time world champion is no longer operating at his peak. Hamilton’s own stinging post-race self-assessment, in which he labelled himself “useless” and suggested Ferrari should consider replacing him, has only fueled speculation about his future.
Hamilton’s struggles in Hungary were particularly stark as he failed to advance to Q3 by a mere 0.015 seconds, overshadowed by rookie Gabriel Bortoleto. The sting was exacerbated by Charles Leclerc clinching Ferrari’s first pole position of the season and eventually outperforming Hamilton in the race. Despite the team’s faith in Hamilton’s capabilities and a fresh chapter at Ferrari under his close associate Fred Vasseur, his performances have yet to match expectations. Ecclestone argues that the signs of mental and physical fatigue are apparent, urging Hamilton to embrace retirement rather than risk diminishing his legacy.
According to Ecclestone, the inevitable decline that comes with longevity in elite sport has begun to take its toll on Hamilton. “He’s been doing this forever,” the 94-year-old said, emphasizing that even the most gifted athletes face an irreversible downward curve. Ecclestone paints a picture of a man drained by the grind of competition, suggesting a definitive break from motorsport would offer Hamilton a new perspective and renewed vitality. In his view, persisting under these circumstances would amount to personal dishonesty—a betrayal of the very excellence that defines Hamilton’s career.
The former F1 boss even laid out a potential exit strategy, recommending Hamilton negotiate a full contractual payout while offering Ferrari the option of an early replacement. With Leclerc consistently delivering and Hamilton yet to secure a podium in 2025—save for a single sprint win in China—Ecclestone sees an amicable separation as a logical and mutually beneficial path forward. His suggestion emphasizes pragmatism: if the current arrangement is faltering, both parties should acknowledge it and adapt accordingly.
While some in the F1 world—such as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff—still believe Hamilton has the skill to compete under new regulations next season, Ecclestone’s perspective underscores a growing unease about Hamilton’s competitive future. The conversation surrounding Hamilton is rapidly shifting from potential resurgence to graceful exit. As speculation mounts and pressure intensifies, the choice facing Hamilton is no longer just about racing—it’s about preserving a legacy built on dominance, dignity, and self-awareness.
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