Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur face harsh criticism from Bernie Ecclestone: "The team needs a dictator"

Lewis Hamilton and Fred Vasseur face harsh criticism from Bernie Ecclestone: “The team needs a dictator”. Bernie Ecclestone launches a sharp critique of Ferrari.

Lewis Hamilton, Fred Vasseur, Ferrari 2025 F1

Bernie Ecclestone has once again spoken about Ferrari, delivering strong criticism aimed at both Lewis Hamilton and the role of Team Principal Frédéric Vasseur. The former F1 CEO did not hold back in assessing the Maranello team, highlighting what he believes the Scuderia truly needs. According to Bernie Ecclestone, the British driver is primarily a “marketing project,” while Fred Vasseur is missing a crucial trait required to lead the team effectively.

Ecclestone is no stranger to statements that spark controversy. However, recent results have brought a more positive atmosphere in Maranello. Ferrari heads to Brazil after regaining their position ahead of Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship and will look to defend it until the end of the season.

The relationship between Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari

Bernie Ecclestone’s criticism begins with the seven-time World Champion: “He is losing control of everything. He wanted to become World Champion, and now he is surprised he cannot do it. Hamilton could be one of the best drivers of the last ten years, but not the very best,” he said in an exclusive interview with RTL/ntv and sport.de.

The former F1 boss believes that Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari was largely a financial marketing project tied to his personal image. “I think in the future he will focus on fashion,” he added, referring to the number #44 driver. Yet, the recent upward trend in Hamilton’s performances shows that he still has the desire to win, as evidenced by his words in recent interviews.

The critique of Vasseur

Beyond Lewis Hamilton, Bernie Ecclestone also criticized Ferrari’s current Team Principal, Frédéric Vasseur, calling him too weak for the role: “The problem is that Ferrari needs a dictator at the top to succeed. They don’t speak Italian there, they speak Ferrari. Everyone in Italy has a say and interferes, deciding what is right and what is wrong.”

According to Bernie Ecclestone, Fred Vasseur is not the right figure because he lacks the qualities of a dictator. Despite this critique, Ferrari has shown complete trust in their Team Principal, confirming his contract extension for the next season.