Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has faced a tough 2024 season, with his form faltering as George Russell consistently outperforms him at Mercedes, leaving doubts about his readiness to match Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc next year when the British driver will join the Maranello team.
Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 boss, has suggested Lewis Hamilton rethink his move to Ferrari if he’s uncertain about being able to keep pace with the Monegasque driver, particularly following this challenging Formula 1 campaign.
For Lewis Hamilton, this year has been riddled with difficulties, with only a handful of strong performances, notably in the British Grand Prix in front of his home fans and later in the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit. These were bright spots in an otherwise difficult season, where he’s struggled to achieve his best in qualifying and has been outpaced by George Russell. Despite holding F1’s all-time record for pole positions, Lewis Hamilton has been beaten by his younger teammate in one-lap showdowns a notable 20 times across both Grand Prix and Sprint qualifying rounds.
Looking ahead, Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will bring him alongside Charles Leclerc, known as one of the most skilled qualifiers in F1 today. Bernie Ecclestone shared his thoughts bluntly in a recent interview with British daily middle-market tabloid newspaper *Daily Mail*, suggesting the British driver consider his decision carefully.
“I do not think it will be easy for Lewis. Especially in that team,” he stated. “They will back Charles Leclerc. He is quick and has grown up there. They will not dump him for anyone. However, from Lewis’ point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari. He could not exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he has given up with them or they have given up on him. They would not do much to keep him, so he is better off going.” – the former owner of Formula 1 explained.
When questioned about the possibility of the seven-time Formula 1 world champion completely stepping away from his Ferrari contract, Bernie Ecclestone went on to explain that “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 do not like to see, he should go away and do something else and do a good job at it. He is now one of the older generation – and did he not say he wanted to hear less from them?” – Bernie Ecclestone concluded.
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