Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 chief who shaped the sport for over four decades, has expressed skepticism about Lewis Hamilton’s chances of securing an eighth world title with Ferrari. Speaking in the Austria paddock, Ecclestone cast doubt on Hamilton’s ability to claim another drivers‘ crown, suggesting that the seven-time champion benefited from less intense competition earlier in his career.
At 94 years old, Ecclestone was present at the Austrian Grand Prix, where he notably stood on the podium for the first time in his life to award Lando Norris his winner’s medal. When asked by Sky Sports about Hamilton’s chances of adding to his record, Ecclestone gave a decisive answer: no.
He elaborated by saying Hamilton was
“fortunate enough to be around when… firstly there wasn’t so much competition, so it was a little bit easier.”
Ecclestone emphasized that during Hamilton’s dominant run with Mercedes, there were fewer drivers challenging him at the very top level.
He added,
“And now he’s got competitors, which when he was winning everything, he didn’t have too many people at the top of the tree.”
While Ecclestone hopes Hamilton can still “get the job done,” he noted that winning the championship at Ferrari is “a completely different story.”
Challenges Mark Hamilton’s Early Ferrari Career
Since joining Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton has faced a difficult transition. Despite high expectations before the 2025 season, the partnership has not met the hopes of many fans and analysts. Through the first several races, Hamilton has yet to reach the podium with Ferrari, highlighting the struggles he is enduring compared to his previous competitiveness at Mercedes.
The standout moment for Hamilton this year remains his sprint race victory at the Chinese Grand Prix. However, his teammate Charles Leclerc has often outpaced him during race weekends. Unlike his tenure at Mercedes, where he competed alongside George Russell with strong pace, Hamilton has struggled to replicate that form in race conditions for Ferrari.
Following the Austrian Grand Prix, Hamilton himself admitted that his performance levels “were simply not good enough,” reflecting the challenges he faces in adapting to the new team and car dynamics.
Future Outlook Amid Growing Competition
Ecclestone’s critique underlines the heightened competition Hamilton now faces within Formula 1, making an eighth world title increasingly elusive. Ferrari’s current pace and Hamilton’s adaptation period create uncertainty around his ability to dominate as he once did.
The seven-time champion’s campaign with Ferrari will be closely watched as he attempts to overcome obstacles and contend with younger rivals like Charles Leclerc. How Hamilton manages this phase of his career and whether he can restore championship-winning form remains a pivotal storyline for the season ahead.