“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis” : Former F1 Supremo believes Lewis Hamilton will have a hard time going against Charles Leclerc at Ferrari
All is done for Lewis Hamilton to set sail on his new and perhaps final journey in F1 to the Italian team. This move has been built up since the start of the year and after a rollercoaster of a final stint with his beloved Mercedes, the Briton seems to have made up his mind.
Hamilton’s final season with the Germans has not been the easiest, to say the least. His victories at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps might say otherwise, but overall, the seven-time world champion has played second fiddle to teammate George Russell almost the whole season, whether it is in qualifying or the actual racing.
The Briton will be looking forward to change things as soon as he reaches Maranello, but the doubters remain prominent. Earlier, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff admitted that he is glad that Lewis Hamilton decided to dawn the red and white colours as it makes him avoid a pretty nasty conversation where he needs to tell arguably the greatest F1 driver of all time that his services are no longer required.
But most recently, even former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has also come out to say that Lewis Hamilton should not bother racing for Ferrari, fearing he might not be the main guy for them anymore.
“They will back Charles Leclerc” : Bernie Ecclestone believes Lewis Hamilton will not be prioritized over Charles Leclerc
It is true that Charles Leclerc is having a great season at Ferrari personally, and has had victories at the Circuit of Americas, Monza, and a pretty iconic one at Monaco, for obvious reasons. Ecclestone has made some good points, as Leclerc has never looked this good in the five years he has spent with the Italian team.
“I don’t think it will be easy for Lewis, especially [at Ferrari]. They will back Charles Leclerc. He’s quick and has grown up there, they won’t dump him for anyone.” said Ecclestone to the Daily Mail.
Although, the former F1 supremo does believe that it is a good move for Lewis Hamilton’s career, as he was obviously not welcomed for another season at Mercedes.
“However, from Lewis’ point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari. He couldn’t exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he’s given up with them or they have given up on him. They wouldn’t do much to keep him, so he is better off going.” the 94-year-old added.
Ecclestone also revealed that he does not want to see Lewis Hamilton fading, and that is why he wants him to leave and do something he would be the best at. Obviously, he means well, but the idea of the Briton leaving F1 before his stint at Ferrari seems too far-fetched. Not to mention the substantial amount he would be missing financially.
“He would have to walk away from a lot financially, it is a big deal he has got, though I suspect the bonus clauses written into his contract are there to make him feel good rather than reality,” said Ecclestone.
Getting the title of the greatest F1 driver of all time is all good and well, but the soon to be 40-year-old will have to honour that title by producing one of his best seasons in 2025, all while going against teammate Charles Leclerc.
