Bernie Ecclestone Predicts a Short Stay for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has sparked intense debate among fans and experts alike. The seven-time world champion’s decision to leave Mercedes after more than a decade of dominance represents one of the most significant driver transfers in recent F1 history. However, former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone has cast serious doubt on the longevity of Hamilton’s time with the Scuderia, predicting that the British driver may not even see out the 2026 season.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Ecclestone suggested that Ferrari might have rushed into signing Hamilton and could soon regret their decision. He emphasized that Piero Ferrari, who played a key role in bringing Hamilton to the team, believes he made the right move, but Ecclestone remains skeptical. He pointed out that Hamilton will likely struggle to receive the same level of support as Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s long-time protégé and a driver deeply ingrained in the team’s culture. The Maranello-based squad is known for favoring drivers who have been developed within their system, and Leclerc, who speaks the team’s language both literally and figuratively, enjoys a strong position within the organization.
Ecclestone warned that Hamilton’s presence could create internal tensions, with the British star facing resistance from both within the team and among Ferrari’s passionate fanbase. Despite his extraordinary achievements, including seven world titles and a record-breaking career spanning nearly two decades, Hamilton is stepping into unfamiliar territory where loyalty and politics often play a significant role in decision-making.
Beyond team dynamics, Ecclestone also questioned Hamilton’s motivation at this stage of his career. He argued that for a driver, longevity in Formula 1 is not just about age but about the number of years spent at the highest level. Having debuted in 2007, Hamilton has already accomplished everything a driver could dream of. Ecclestone speculated that Hamilton may be losing the drive to fight for championships in the way he once did, particularly now that he has nothing left to prove. He suggested that if Hamilton had never won a title, his hunger would still be there, but with seven championships under his belt, the challenge of reviving Ferrari might not be enough to reignite his competitive fire.
Ferrari, on the other hand, sees Hamilton’s arrival as a strategic move to return to the top of the sport. With his wealth of experience and racecraft, the team hopes he can be the missing piece in their championship puzzle. However, adapting to Ferrari’s unique culture, overcoming internal rivalries, and potentially playing second fiddle to Leclerc could make Hamilton’s time in red far shorter than expected.
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton integrates into the Ferrari machine. Will he defy Ecclestone’s prediction and establish himself as a force within the team, or will his stint in Maranello end prematurely? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Hamilton’s move to Ferrari will be one of the most compelling storylines in the coming years
