Lewis Hamilton’s highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025 has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world, but former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone isn’t convinced it will be a long-term success.
The 93-year-old has suggested that Hamilton may not see out his two-year contract with Ferrari, hinting that the partnership could unravel quicker than expected.
Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will leave Mercedes after over a decade with the Silver Arrows to join the Maranello-based team. While many believe this move could reignite Ferrari’s title hopes, Ecclestone remains skeptical, questioning whether the British driver will be able to adapt to the new challenge.
A Move That Could Backfire?
While Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been widely celebrated, Ecclestone believes that both the team and the driver might regret the decision.
“I don’t think he will succeed at Ferrari and he won’t see out his two-year contract,” Ecclestone said. “Lewis is not the fighter he once was.”
The former F1 chief, who was a key figure in the sport for decades, has witnessed many big-name transfers, some of which have failed to live up to expectations. He pointed out that, at 40 years old, Hamilton may not have the same drive and determination that made him a dominant force in the sport.
Ecclestone also questioned whether Hamilton would be able to integrate smoothly into the Ferrari setup. Unlike Mercedes, where the team was built around him, Ferrari operates differently, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and internal hierarchy.
“Ferrari might end up wishing they hadn’t signed Hamilton,” Ecclestone added.
The Leclerc Factor: Will There Be Tension?
One of the biggest challenges Hamilton could face at Ferrari is dealing with Charles Leclerc. The Monegasque driver has been the team’s golden boy for several years and has already established himself as a top-tier talent. While Ferrari has struggled to deliver a car capable of fighting for championships, Leclerc has consistently outperformed his machinery and built a strong relationship with the team.
Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari means he will be stepping into Leclerc’s territory. The young driver is fluent in Italian and deeply embedded within the Ferrari culture, which could give him an advantage over Hamilton when it comes to communication and team dynamics.
“It will be very interesting to see how things develop between Lewis and Charles,” said Ecclestone. “Leclerc is loved at Ferrari, and if Lewis doesn’t perform, he won’t get the same level of support.”
Could Hamilton Walk Away Early?
Ecclestone isn’t alone in questioning whether Hamilton will stay at Ferrari for the full duration of his contract. The former Mercedes driver has built a life outside of Formula 1, with interests in fashion, music, and activism. There is growing speculation that if things don’t go according to plan at Ferrari, Hamilton may choose to leave the sport altogether rather than endure a frustrating stint with the team.
The British driver has often spoken about his desire to win an eighth world title, but if Ferrari fails to provide him with a competitive car, will he have the patience to stick it out?
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is reminiscent of when four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel joined the team in 2015. While Vettel had some success with Ferrari, he ultimately left the team without winning a championship. If history repeats itself, Hamilton could find himself in a similar situation.
Ferrari’s Gamble: A Risk Worth Taking?
Despite Ecclestone’s warnings, Ferrari remains optimistic that Hamilton’s arrival will bring much-needed experience and leadership to the team. The Scuderia has not won a drivers’ championship since 2007, and the hope is that Hamilton’s expertise will help propel them back to the top.
However, as history has shown, high-profile driver moves don’t always go as planned. Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari will be one of the most scrutinized in F1 history, and only time will tell if he can defy the skeptics.
With pre-season testing approaching, the F1 world eagerly awaits the first glimpse of Hamilton in Ferrari red. Will this be the fairytale ending he’s hoping for, or will Ecclestone’s prediction prove to be true?