British former business magnate Bernie Ecclestone, the former chief executive of the Formula One Group, has expressed skepticism regarding Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Scuderia Ferrari starting with the 2025 Formula 1 championship, as the seven-time champion prepares to depart from Mercedes.
Lewis Hamilton’s decision, which was officially announced three months ago, caught many by surprise, especially considering his long-standing association with the German manufacturer, with whom he has clinched six of his Formula 1 championship titles.
Bernie Ecclestone, sharing his perspective, remarked that Lewis Hamilton’s choice was unexpected, particularly since the British driver is now poised to continue racing into his early 40s under the banner of the Maranello team.
In an exclusive interview with RacingNews365, when initially asked about his thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s move to Scuderia Ferrari, Bernie Ecclestone first raised questions about Lewis Hamilton’s relationship with Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff: It was a strange, strange move to make. Toto has relied on him an awful lot more, and they’ve become close for selfish reasons – both of them. I don’t think there was ever a sort of a relationship where you could rely on both parties. There obviously wasn’t because that’s why he (Hamilton) suddenly decided to leave.” – the former chief executive of the Formula One Group explained.
When asked if he was caught off guard by the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari, Bernie Ecclestone: “Big surprise, in as far as I didn’t understand why he did it, given the year’s notice basically. Why didn’t he wait until later on during the season? People thought they’d done a clever deal in taking him, but I think it’s a bit of an ego thing that he (Hamilton) got latched into it all.” – he pointed out.
The ex-Formula 1 boss continued: “Fred (Vasseur, team principal) knew him from their early days, and I think John Elkann (chairman) at Ferrari, from his point of view, it was a bit of an ego thing that he’s managed to capture one of the leading Formula 1 drivers – the best Formula 1 driver, in many people’s opinion. These things happen. Just a whole set of circumstances that come together.”
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Bernie Ecclestone also stated that he would not have signed the likes of a Lewis Hamilton back in the days when he was in charge of the Brabham team for almost two decades. When asked to explain his comments, he added: “Too much of a handful – an unnecessary handful. He really sort of commands a little at Mercedes. Toto has let him be like that, to keep him on board and keep him happy. But I never had that with the drivers. They’re still good, good friends of mine, genuine friends, not for finance or whatever. Good friends. I’d rather have that sort of relationship rather than the fact I jump when somebody says jump, or defend a situation. If I wanted to do something, I’d do it if I thought it was the right thing to do.” – Bernie Ecclestone concluded.
Leave a Reply