Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone predicts a challenging future for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari. The 94-year-old British businessman has been increasingly critical of the seven-time world champion. On the eve of Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari, Ecclestone suggests that Hamilton lacks the motivation to make the partnership a success.
After a twelve-year partnership with Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton is taking on a new challenge with Ferrari this season. The ideal scenario would see the British driver conclude his illustrious career with that coveted eighth world title. If the 40-year-old star manages to win the championship with Ferrari, he will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest drivers of all time. However, Bernie Ecclestone has little faith in a positive outcome.
Charles Leclerc
Hamilton signed a multi-year contract with Ferrari, but Ecclestone does not expect him to fulfill his commitment in its entirety. “He (Hamilton) won’t last that long,” Ecclestone told The Telegraph. “Piero Ferrari was able to sign him – he still thinks they made a good choice. I can only hope that’s the case and they don’t end up regretting a hasty decision.”
Ecclestone Questions Hamilton’s Motivation for Another World Title
Ecclestone has expressed doubts about whether Lewis Hamilton still has enough motivation to secure another world title. “I have my theories about this,” he explained. “It’s not about the age of the drivers, but how long they’ve been doing the same thing. With Lewis Hamilton, I think: ‘He’s getting tired. He’s lost his motivation.’ If he had never won a title, it might be different. Then he would still have an incentive to win. But he already has seven under his belt.”
Potential Tensions Between Hamilton and Teammate Charles Leclerc
In addition to this, Ecclestone anticipates potential tensions between Hamilton and his teammate Charles Leclerc. The golden boy from Monaco has been hugely popular with the tifosi for years. “The team is happy with Leclerc,” Ecclestone elaborated. “They are on the same page with Leclerc, so he will always be protected. Even if Hamilton performs well, he will always have enemies.”
