Bernie Ecclestone has expressed strong opinions that Lewis Hamilton should consider retiring from Formula 1 rather than continuing his current Ferrari contract, which reportedly extends until 2027. Hamilton’s recent switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, aimed at securing an eighth World Championship, has so far failed to bring the results the driver expected, leading to growing frustration and public criticism from Hamilton himself.
Hamilton’s struggles have been evident across recent race weekends, where podium finishes have eluded him. His performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix was particularly disappointing, as he was knocked out in the second qualifying session while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position. Hamilton openly expressed his doubts, commenting to Sky F1,
“It’s just me every time, I’m useless, absolutely useless. Team has no problem, you’ve seen the car’s on pole.”
Following the race, Hamilton hinted uncertainty about his future participation after the summer break, saying,
“I look forward to coming back,”
and cautiously adding,
“Hopefully I will be back, yeah.”
Despite this, Ecclestone is convinced that it is time for Hamilton’s Formula 1 career to come to a close at the end of the season, urging Ferrari to negotiate a paid exit for the seven-time world champion to benefit both parties.
Evaluating the Impact of Hamilton’s Move to Ferrari and Contract Situation
Hamilton’s £mega-million deal with Ferrari represented one of the most significant contracts in sports history, but his performances and motivation have come under question, reflecting negatively on the partnership. Ecclestone acknowledges Hamilton’s exceptional talent but warns that continued decline is inevitable, as seen with many top athletes nearing the end of their careers.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Ecclestone said,
“Lewis is very talented, was and probably still is.”
He added,
“But like a lot of leading sports personalities, when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it’s not a good direction. It’s only down. They get tired. Lewis is tired.”
He emphasized that Hamilton needs a complete change and rest from racing, suggesting retirement as the best option.
Regarding contract terms, Ecclestone proposed a solution where Hamilton would discuss stepping aside with Ferrari while securing full payment for the remainder of his deal. He explained,
“If I were looking after him, I would negotiate with Ferrari immediately and say, ‘If you have someone to replace Lewis, he’ll step aside.’ If I were Lewis, I would say to Ferrari that I wanted to be paid all my contract, in full.”
He noted,
“They signed him because they thought he could do a job. ‘It isn’t working, so I can make way if you want me to, but that’s the arrangement.’ It could work for both parties.”
Potential Ferrari Replacements and Emerging Talents in Formula 1
With Hamilton’s future uncertain, questions arise about who could take over his seat at Ferrari. Oliver Bearman, currently with Haas, is regarded as a promising prospect, though his rookie season has been inconsistent, marked by both impressive performances and notable mistakes, such as a pit lane crash under red flag conditions at the British Grand Prix.
Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz remains committed to Ferrari, having signed a multi-year contract, with Williams team principal James Vowles dismissing rumors of any exit clauses linked to top team offers.
Ecclestone identified two young drivers he believes Ferrari should pursue: Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto.
“If I could steal him, I’d take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls,”
Ecclestone said.
“He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy.”
He added,
“I also rate our friend from Brazil (Bortoleto). He is talented. Both of them are sensible, too.”
Hadjar has emerged as a strong rookie candidate, accumulating 22 points so far with Racing Bulls, while Bortoleto has shown improvement with three top ten finishes in the last four races after a slow start to the season.
Why Hamilton’s Decision Matters for Formula 1’s Future
Bernie Ecclestone’s urging for Lewis Hamilton to retire touches on a broader narrative about elite athletes facing the challenge of knowing when to step away. Hamilton’s current Ferrari stint, marred by disappointing results and evident fatigue, symbolizes a potential turning point in his legendary career. Ending his contract early with a full payout could allow both Hamilton and Ferrari to focus on new directions—Hamilton pursuing non-racing ventures, and Ferrari advancing with promising young drivers.
The debate over Hamilton’s future will likely intensify as the Formula 1 season progresses, especially with the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix and subsequent events. Should Hamilton choose retirement, it will mark the close of an era in F1 racing, while opening the door for fresh talent that could shape the sport’s next chapter.