The 2025 Hungarian Grand Prix delivered one of the most striking talking points of Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari — and it happened before lights out. After narrowly missing out on Q3 by mere milliseconds, Hamilton’s frustration boiled over in qualifying. Reports from within the Ferrari garage suggested that the seven-time world champion told the team they might as well “change drivers” after he was consigned to starting in 12th position, especially with teammate Charles Leclerc securing pole position.
The remark instantly raised eyebrows, and while Hamilton later insisted that his passion for racing remained intact, those close to the paddock noted that he appeared unusually downbeat. His race did little to improve his mood. Ferrari opted to put him on a one-stop strategy — a call that seemed flawed from the outset. Stuck in a DRS train during much of the first stint, Hamilton was unable to maximise the potential of his hard tyres, leaving him well outside the fight for the front.
By the time the chequered flag fell, Hamilton was heard apologising to his crew over team radio. Race engineer Riccardo Adami later indicated that this was among Hamilton’s lowest moments since making the high-profile winter switch from Mercedes to Ferrari.
Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, who had overseen Hamilton’s meteoric rise during his own tenure, has weighed in on the situation. Speaking after attending the Hungarian Grand Prix, Ecclestone remarked that Hamilton’s talent was undeniable but warned that even the greatest sportspeople eventually face decline. He suggested that Hamilton may be growing weary after so many years at the top and could benefit from a complete break from the sport — perhaps even stepping away for good. According to Ecclestone, while Hamilton might not realise it yet, retirement could quickly open the door to a new chapter in his life away from the pressures of Formula 1.
Ecclestone went further, arguing that if Hamilton genuinely considered leaving, Ferrari should be proactive in seeking a successor. He proposed that the Scuderia could attempt to lure Racing Bulls rookie Isack Hadjar — a driver he described as having impressed significantly in his debut season. The former F1 boss also mentioned Gabriel Bortoleto of Brazil as another sensible and talented option.
Hadjar’s trajectory in 2025 has been impressive. Despite the pressure of making headlines for an error on his debut formation lap at the Australian Grand Prix, the young Frenchman has quickly turned his season around. He currently sits ahead of both teammate Liam Lawson and Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda in the drivers’ standings. Earning just £800,000 a year, Hadjar has proven to be one of the grid’s most promising young talents and is reportedly in contention to replace Tsunoda at Red Bull in 2026.
Ecclestone has previously voiced concerns about Ferrari’s decision to sign Hamilton, even suggesting they might come to regret letting Carlos Sainz go. In his view, if Ferrari could prise Hadjar away from Red Bull’s driver programme, the Frenchman could represent a bold, long-term investment. However, with Red Bull themselves eyeing Hadjar for a future promotion, any such move would almost certainly set up a high-pressure environment for the rookie — even more intense than the one he faces now.
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