As Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes continue their contract negotiations, former Formula 1 team boss Eddie Jordan has argued that the seven-time world champion should move to a new team to spark a “resurgence” in his career.
Jordan has stated that he believes a “great change” could be the key that Hamilton is looking for, as he seeks a record-breaking eighth world title.
Hamilton’s contract with Mercedes expires at the end of the season and, despite both sides publicly claiming it will be renewed, there appears to be no conclusion in sight.
“Let’s put myself in the feet of Lewis Hamilton. What would I do? I personally think that he is, if not the most stylish driver ever, certainly in that league,” Jordan told Express Sport.
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“We know winning seven world titles hasn’t been easy. I found a resurgence, I saw a great change in him after he left Mclaren having won the championship there.
“But then when he went to Mercedes, which alongside Niki Lauda, myself, we helped him to get to Mercedes, I think that I want him to get stale. I would like him to take on another challenge.”
Speculation has been rife that Hamilton might move to Ferrari or another squad that is capable of fighting at the front, something that the former world champion has tried to downplay.
“There’s only one place he could go to in my opinion and that is Ferrari. A guy with the talent that he is, and I think it might be a [match made] in heaven,” Jordan said.
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“I think Ferrari need shaking up and I think Lewis Hamilton needs shaking up, if they are going to continue. However, the seven-time champion has refused to be drawn into any transfer rumours and continues to pledge his allegiance to Mercedes,” he added.
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari would require the team to end their partnership with one of their drivers early.
There have been rumours that Charles Leclerc might be looking for a change over his frustration with Ferrari’s strategy issues, while Carlos Sainz has pledged his commitment to the team for the foreseeable future.