Lewis Hamilton’s decision to leave Mercedes and join Ferrari at the age of 40 has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world.

Some fans hail it as a daring move by a legendary driver looking for one last shot at glory.

Others, however, see it as a strategic, money-driven decision benefiting both Ferrari and the seven-time world champion.

Among the skeptics is former F1 chief Bernie Ecclestone, who isn’t convinced Hamilton will even make it to the end of his Ferrari contract.

Ecclestone’s Doubts: Can Hamilton Go the Distance?

At 94 years old, Bernie Ecclestone has seen it all in Formula 1, and he isn’t shy about sharing his thoughts. His prediction? Hamilton’s Ferrari stint won’t last long.

“He won’t last that long,” Ecclestone claimed. “Piero Ferrari, who has taken him there, still thinks they’ve done the right thing. But I worry they haven’t just jumped in and end up wishing they hadn’t.”

Ecclestone’s concerns aren’t entirely unfounded. Hamilton has struggled since his last championship battle in 2021, with Red Bull and Max Verstappen dominating the grid. Some believe the shift to Ferrari is less about winning and more about branding and business opportunities.

Is Age or Motivation the Real Issue?

The 2025 Formula 1 season is just around the corner, and Hamilton is preparing for his Ferrari debut. However, questions linger about whether age is catching up with him or if motivation is the real issue.

“It’s not just about age,” Ecclestone explained. “It’s how long he’s been doing the same thing. He’s getting tired, he’s lost motivation. If he never won a world championship, it might be different—there’d be an incentive to keep pushing. But he’s won seven.”

Hamilton’s recent performances have lacked the spark of his dominant years at Mercedes. Is he still hungry enough to fight for another title, or has the drive to compete faded?

The Leclerc Factor: A Tough Team Dynamic

Another challenge Hamilton will face at Ferrari is fitting into a team that already has a star driver. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s golden boy, has been with the team since 2019 and has built strong relationships within the Italian squad.

“The team is happy with Charles,” Ecclestone noted. “He speaks their language, and they’ll be looking after him. Even if Lewis does well, there will still be a lot of obstacles. He’s suddenly arrived, and it’s all new. Lewis has a way of putting himself in the spotlight, and not everyone likes that.”

Hamilton’s flamboyant personality, fashion choices, and outspoken nature have made him one of the most polarizing figures in F1. While his talent is undeniable, his arrival at Ferrari could create tension, especially if he starts taking the limelight away from Leclerc.

Will Hamilton Thrive or Struggle at Ferrari?

Hamilton’s move to Ferrari is undoubtedly one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 season. While some believe he can bring the Scuderia back to championship-winning form, others think the transition will be tougher than expected.

The key questions remain: Will Hamilton find success with Ferrari, or will his time in red be short-lived? Can he adapt to a new team culture and still have the competitive fire to fight at the front?

What do you think? Will Hamilton last at Ferrari? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!

Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn