The news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has sent shockwaves throughout the Formula 1 community, with many fans and pundits weighing in on the possibility of his success with the most successful team in the sport. The British driver, a seven-time world champion, has made the surprise switch from Mercedes, the team with which he won six of his titles, to join the Italian outfit in a two-season deal. However, not everyone is convinced that the move will pay off, with some predicting a tumultuous tenure for Hamilton at the Scuderia.
One of the most vocal skeptics is none other than Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 supremo. Ecclestone, who was instrumental in shaping the sport into the global phenomenon it is today, has made some scathing comments about Hamilton’s chances of success at Ferrari. In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Ecclestone boldly stated that Hamilton “won’t last that long” at the team, citing a variety of reasons for his hypothesis.
According to Ecclestone, one of the primary reasons Hamilton may struggle at Ferrari is the fact that he will no longer be the number one driver, a status he enjoyed at Mercedes. With Charles Leclerc, a talented and charismatic young driver, already established at the team, Ecclestone believes that Hamilton will not receive the same level of attention and favoritism from the team. “The team is happy with Charles Leclerc, his teammate,” Ecclestone said. “Charles speaks their language, so they will look after him. Even if Lewis does well, he will still have many enemies, because he is the newcomer.”
Ecclestone’s comments are telling, as they suggest that Hamilton’s integration into the team may not be as seamless as some had hoped. With Leclerc already established as a fan favorite and a key player in the team’s long-term plans, it is possible that Hamilton may find himself playing second fiddle to the young Monegasque driver. This dynamic could create tension and conflict within the team, potentially undermining Hamilton’s chances of success.
Another factor that Ecclestone believes may contribute to Hamilton’s downfall at Ferrari is the issue of motivation. With seven world championships to his name, Hamilton may be feeling a sense of complacency and lack of drive, according to Ecclestone. “I’ve thought, about Lewis: ‘He’s getting tired. He’s lost motivation’,” Ecclestone said. “If he had never won a world championship, it might be different, because then he would have an incentive to win one, but he’s won seven.” This sentiment is echoed by some pundits, who believe that Hamilton’s desire to win may have waned in recent years, particularly after a series of dominant seasons with Mercedes.
It is also worth noting that Ecclestone’s comments about Hamilton’s motivation may be influenced by their own complicated history. When Hamilton made his Formula 1 debut in 2007, Ecclestone was quick to praise the young driver, recognizing his immense talent and potential. However, over the years, the relationship between the two has cooled, with Hamilton publicly criticizing Ecclestone’s comments on several occasions. One notable example was when Ecclestone made some inflammatory remarks about racism, stating that “blacks are more racist than whites.” Hamilton was quick to condemn these comments, branding them as “ignorant and rude.” Since then, Ecclestone has been a vocal supporter of Max Verstappen and Red Bull, often finding himself at odds with Hamilton and Mercedes.
Despite these factors, it is still too early to write off Hamilton’s chances of success at Ferrari. The British driver has consistently proven himself to be one of the most talented and dedicated drivers on the grid, and his ability to adapt to new surroundings and challenges should not be underestimated. Additionally, Ferrari has a long history of producing successful drivers, with the likes of Michael Schumacher, Fernando Alonso, and Sebastian Vettel all enjoying significant success with the team.
Ultimately, the success or failure of Hamilton’s tenure at Ferrari will depend on a variety of factors, including his relationship with the team, his motivation and drive, and his ability to adapt to the team’s culture and dynamics. While Ecclestone’s comments may be seen as pessimistic, they do highlight the challenges that Hamilton will face in his new role. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Hamilton and Ferrari, as the team looks to end its drought of drivers’ championships, which stretches back to 2007 when Kimi Raikkonen last won the title.
In conclusion, the news of Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has created a stir in the Formula 1 community, with many predicting a difficult tenure for the British driver. Bernie Ecclestone’s comments, while harsh, do highlight some of the challenges that Hamilton may face, including the issue of motivation, the presence of Charles Leclerc, and the potential for conflict within the team. However, it is still too early to write off Hamilton’s chances of success, and the 2024 season promises to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. As one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, Hamilton has consistently proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with, and his ability to adapt and overcome challenges should not be underestimated.
The move to Ferrari is a significant one for Hamilton, marking a new chapter in his illustrious career. The Italian outfit, with its rich history and passionate fan base, provides a unique and exciting challenge for the British driver. With its iconic red cars and legendary status in the sport, Ferrari is a team that demands success, and Hamilton will be under intense pressure to deliver. However, if anyone can rise to the challenge, it is Hamilton, who has consistently shown himself to be one of the most talented and dedicated drivers on the grid.
The dynamic between Hamilton and Leclerc will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the 2024 season. The two drivers, with their unique personalities and driving styles, will be under intense scrutiny as they battle for supremacy within the team. While Leclerc has already established himself as a fan favorite, Hamilton’s arrival will undoubtedly create tension and competition within the team. The question on everyone’s mind is: can Hamilton and Leclerc coexist, or will their rivalry tear the team apart?
