In typical Bernie Ecclestone fashion, the former Formula 1 supremo has once again unleashed a controversial verdict, this time targeting Lewis Hamilton’s blockbuster move to Ferrari.
Ecclestone, who never shies away from bold critiques, believes Ferrari may have “jumped in too quickly” by signing the seven-time world champion, warning that the British driver will have “a lot of enemies” at Maranello.
His concerns? Hamilton’s age, motivation, and Charles Leclerc’s deep-rooted ties within the Scuderia.
Ecclestone Doubts Hamilton’s Longevity at Ferrari
Hamilton’s three-year deal with Ferrari has electrified the F1 world, with fans dreaming of a record-breaking eighth title. But Ecclestone isn’t buying the fairytale.
“He won’t last that long,” Ecclestone bluntly told The Telegraph.
While Ferrari vice chairman Piero Ferrari has stood by the decision to sign Hamilton, Ecclestone believes the team may soon regret it.
“I hope they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”
At 40 years old, Hamilton is chasing what only three drivers in F1 history have managed—a world championship at or beyond 40. The last to do it? Jack Brabham in 1966.
But age isn’t Ecclestone’s biggest concern—it’s Hamilton’s mindset.
“He’s Getting Tired. He’s Lost Motivation.”
Hamilton’s final season at Mercedes was a rollercoaster of frustration and underperformance. Despite his enthusiastic reception at Ferrari, Ecclestone isn’t convinced that the fire is still burning inside him.
“I have my theory about this,” Ecclestone explained. “It’s not the age with drivers, it’s how long they have been doing the same thing.”
The F1 mogul believes Hamilton’s seven titles have dulled his competitive hunger.
“If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then there would be an incentive to win one. But he has won seven.”
This goes against Hamilton’s own statements, where he has repeatedly emphasized that he still feels “as hungry as ever” and that Ferrari represents a new challenge to reignite his passion.
Leclerc vs. Hamilton: A Brewing Ferrari Civil War?
Beyond Hamilton’s personal motivation, Ecclestone warns that Ferrari’s internal politics will be his biggest challenge.
The Scuderia has been Leclerc’s team for six years. As a Ferrari Academy graduate and a fluent Italian speaker, the Monegasque star is deeply embedded in the team’s DNA.
Ecclestone believes that Hamilton will never truly be Ferrari’s No. 1 driver, no matter how well he performs.
“The team is happy with Charles Leclerc, his teammate,” he said. “Leclerc speaks their language, so they’ll be looking after him.”
Even if Hamilton finds success, Ecclestone warns that he will face resistance.
“There’ll still be a lot of enemies, because he has suddenly arrived.”
This contrasts sharply with the warm reception Hamilton received from Ferrari’s Tifosi, Piero Ferrari, and Team Principal Fred Vasseur, all of whom have embraced his arrival with optimism.
Ecclestone Takes a Shot at Hamilton’s Off-Track Persona
Beyond Hamilton’s racing credentials, Ecclestone took swipes at his lifestyle, criticizing his fashion choices and musical aspirations.
“Lewis gets himself up front in a way where you can dislike him,” Ecclestone remarked. “How a guy who has won a few world titles and has a few dollars in the bank can dress the way he dresses… I’m not a fan of that.”
While Hamilton’s bold fashion sense has been a staple of the paddock, he’s far from the only F1 driver embracing self-expression. Even his future teammate Leclerc has showcased his passion for music, releasing piano compositions on Spotify.
But Ecclestone wasn’t done.
“I don’t know why he does all this other nonsense. He needs to get out of the music business and whatever else.”
Hamilton, however, has always leveraged his platform beyond F1, from fashion and music to activism. These very qualities have made him one of the most influential athletes of the modern era, helping to expand F1’s global appeal.
The Verdict: Is Ecclestone Out of Touch?
Ecclestone’s grim prediction for Hamilton at Ferrari isn’t entirely unfounded—the Scuderia has a history of internal power struggles, and Leclerc’s long-term ties to the team could create tensions.
However, his doubts about Hamilton’s motivation seem outdated. Hamilton isn’t clinging to F1 for the sake of it—he is determined to prove he can win in red, rewriting the final chapter of his legendary career.
With Ferrari giving Hamilton a hero’s welcome, the true test will come when the lights go out in 2025.
Will Ecclestone’s prediction of turmoil come true, or will Hamilton defy the odds once again?
One thing is certain—Formula 1’s greatest showman is now part of its most legendary team, and the world is watching.
