Lewis Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is one of the focal points of the 2025 Formula 1 season. Many people are focused on the seven-time F1 world champion’s first step at Maranello. However, some, like Bernie Ecclestone, do not enjoy the buzz surrounding this alliance.
The former F1 chief executive, who was ousted from his position shortly after Liberty Media took over leadership, has a skeptical view of this transfer. According to Ecclestone, “I don’t think Lewis will get the same attention at Ferrari.” He believes that the team is happy with Charles Leclerc, his teammate, who speaks their language (Monaco residents are fluent in Italian), so they will favor him. Even if Lewis performs well, he will still have many enemies because he arrived abruptly.
Regarding the age difference between the two drivers, with Hamilton being 40 and Leclerc 27, Ecclestone responded, “I have a theory about that. The most important thing is not the age of the drivers, but the time they spend doing the same thing. With Lewis, I told myself, ‘He’s tired, he’s no longer motivated. He’s lost his motivation.'” Ecclestone added, “If he never won the world championship, it might be different because there would be motivation to win it. But he has won seven world champion titles.”
The British veteran driver has signed a contract that includes at least two seasons at Ferrari, with the possibility of a third year as an option. However, for the former collector of many classic cars, the situation will only get worse. According to Ecclestone, “He won’t last that long. Piero Ferrari, who brought him in, still believes he did the right thing. I hope he’s right. I hope they don’t rush it and end up regretting it.”
Ecclestone also criticized Hamilton’s dressing style and his passion outside the world of racing. He said, “Lewis puts himself in such a way that people can hate him. How can a man who has won several world champion titles and has a lot of money in the bank dress like that? I’m not a fan of his.” Ecclestone acknowledged Hamilton’s talent as a driver, but he doesn’t think it’s enough for all the attention he receives. He believes Hamilton should focus solely on racing and not get involved in music or other distractions.
In recent years, Ecclestone and Hamilton have had disagreements, especially regarding diversity and racism. Ecclestone, known for his controversial and inappropriate comments, once said that “in many cases, black people are more racist than white people.” Hamilton responded by saying, “The fact that nothing is said or done to make our sport more diverse or to combat the racial abuse I’ve experienced throughout my career makes perfect sense today.”
