Bernie Ecclestone has tossed another match at Ferrari’s new era, questioning whether signing Lewis Hamilton for 2025 was ever the right call — and suggesting the seven-time champion’s current struggles are drifting into politics.
Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Maranello was the biggest transfer the sport has seen in years, but the partnership hasn’t ignited. He’s still waiting for a first podium in red, and the tension has bubbled into public view. In Budapest, Hamilton qualified only 12th while Charles Leclerc stuck it on pole. Over the airwaves and after, Hamilton was unusually hard on himself — calling his own performance “useless” and even hinting Ferrari might be better off replacing him. A day later came the heavier line: “There’s a lot going on in the background that’s not great.”
That’s the bit Ecclestone pounced on. “I am not sure that taking Lewis was the right decision,” he told F1 Destinations. “Lewis is obviously talented, but a little bit political, which is typical for Ferrari and typical for him. But he could come to life again which would be good for him and good for Ferrari.”
Ecclestone’s wider critique was aimed at Ferrari’s direction of travel. He harked back to the Jean Todt era — when Michael Schumacher arrived with a swathe of Benetton personnel and the team’s culture locked in behind a single vision — arguing today’s structure lacks a commanding hand. “I cannot say anything negative about the Italian staff,” he said, “but I think the team needs someone to take charge, find the right direction and get the job done.”
Hamilton’s radio spats with new race engineer Riccardo Adami haven’t helped the optics, nor has the body language on difficult Saturdays. The 40-year-old has just two wins over the last three-and-a-half seasons, and you can feel the frustration straining through the seams. Ecclestone, unsurprisingly, has taken that a step further — again floating the idea Hamilton should walk away for good.
“He’s been doing what he is doing forever,” Ecclestone told the Mail, arguing the Briton is “tired” and risks “cheating himself” by carrying on. If it doesn’t improve, he even sketched out an exit strategy: a mutual parting with Ferrari that pays Hamilton “in full” on his contract. Reports indicate Hamilton’s deal runs through the end of 2026, with suggestions in Italy that he holds an option to extend to 2027 on his side alone.
It’s classic Ecclestone — blunt, provocative, and not entirely without a point. Ferrari’s car is quick in bursts, Leclerc’s one-lap peaks prove that, but the Hamilton-Ferrari relationship hasn’t found its rhythm. Equally, it’s early enough for a reset. If Hamilton “comes to life again,” as Ecclestone himself allowed, the mood music changes fast.
For now, Ferrari’s biggest enemy isn’t noise from the outside. It’s time. And the calendar — relentless as ever — offers precious little of it.
