Lewis Hamilton told to tear up Ferrari contract before joining to leave team in…read more
Former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has urged Lewis Hamilton to reconsider his rumored move to Ferrari, advising the seven-time world champion to “tear up” any agreement if he doesn’t feel capable of matching the pace of future teammate Charles Leclerc. Ecclestone’s comments come amid Hamilton’s challenging 2024 season, where despite victories at Silverstone and Spa, his performance has generally been below par by his own high standards.
Hamilton has faced intense competition from his Mercedes teammate, George Russell, who has often outperformed him in qualifying sessions. Across all qualifying formats, including Grand Prix and sprint shootouts, Hamilton has been outqualified by Russell on 20 occasions, while only managing to beat his teammate in six. This struggle to keep pace on Saturdays has highlighted some vulnerabilities in Hamilton’s game, casting doubt on how he might fare against the renowned one-lap pace of Charles Leclerc.
Leclerc, who has eight race wins and 26 pole positions to his name, has earned a reputation as one of the grid’s strongest qualifiers and one of the sport’s standout drivers. If Hamilton joins Ferrari, he would be stepping into a team deeply committed to Leclerc, who has been part of their program for years and is widely seen as the driver to bring Ferrari back to championship glory. According to Ecclestone, Ferrari is unlikely to shift its focus away from Leclerc, regardless of who his teammate is.
“Ferrari will always back Leclerc,” Ecclestone explained to the Daily Mail. “They’ve invested in him, he’s incredibly quick, and he’s part of the team’s long-term vision. They won’t replace him for anyone.” This sentiment highlights the challenging dynamics Hamilton could face at Ferrari if the team prioritizes Leclerc in key development and race strategies.
The veteran British driver, now 39, may find the move a major test of his adaptability, particularly after a season with several low points. This year, he has faced one of the most challenging periods of his career, a potential factor that could affect his decision-making regarding any move to Ferrari.
Ecclestone’s comments suggest that Hamilton might be better off pursuing other options, or perhaps even stepping away from F1 if he feels unable to maintain his competitive edge. Moving to Ferrari, a team with a complex structure and a well-established number-one driver in Leclerc, would be a formidable undertaking and one that could significantly impact the legacy Hamilton has built over His career.
