At 94, former F1 maestro Bernie Ecclestone remains unafraid to stir conversation. And recently, his blunt—sometimes bluntly controversial—thoughts on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari tenure and rising star Gabriel Bortoleto have caught the paddock’s attention once again.
Did Ferrari Make the Right Call Signing Hamilton?
Reflecting on Hamilton’s switch from Mercedes to Ferrari, Ecclestone didn’t hold back:
“I am not sure that taking Lewis [Hamilton] was the right decision. He’s obviously talented, but a little bit political…”
Echoing this skepticism, earlier remarks flagged doubts about Hamilton’s motivation. Ecclestone suggested that, after seven world titles, Hamilton may have lost the internal drive that once made him a champion.
“He’s been doing what he is doing forever… He needs a rest for good, a total reset… He’s tired.”
In an equally pointed take, he warned that Ferrari “may end up regretting” the move:
“Ferrari may end up wishing they hadn’t signed Hamilton… he’s not going to last the two years of the contract.”
Taken together, Ecclestone paints a portrait of a driver whose once-unquestioned excellence may not align with Ferrari’s future trajectory.
Hamilton’s Future: Should He Step Away?
Following Hamilton’s candid self-assessment—calling himself “useless” after a poor Hungarian GP weekend—Ecclestone’s critique turned more personal:
“He is talented, was, and probably still is. But… they get tired. Lewis is tired… He should stop now.”
He added, almost warning Ferrari to reconsider:
“If I were looking after him I’d negotiate with Ferrari now and say: ‘If you have someone else for the seat, I’ll step aside.’”
It wasn’t just about performance. Ecclestone expressed concern for Hamilton’s well-being, suggesting the 40-year-old could be putting himself at risk in a season that’s been anything but gentle.
“It would be terrible if something happened to him now.”
Bortoleto: A Brazilian Star on Ferrari’s Radar?
Ferrari’s driver lineup might be stable for now, but Ecclestone has already begun rehearsing a forward-looking narrative—one that includes Sauber’s rising star, Gabriel Bortoleto:
“Bortoleto’s strong performances in a midfield team… should really wake Ferrari up. Their next driver question needs to be resolved with the Brazilian.”
Bortoleto, often hailed by Fernando Alonso as “the best rookie of this generation,” has consistently outshined expectations in Sauber. Ecclestone, with his historic ties to Brazil and a finger on the pulse of potential, didn’t hold back in championing the 18-year-old. Making his suggestion all the more potent: Bortoleto is managed by Alonso, giving him a unique blend of technical backing and political alignment that Ferrari might value.
What Ecclestone’s Words Mean for Ferrari & F1
For Hamilton:
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Future uncertainty: His Ferrari exit rumors and own frustrations combine into a growing sense that his time in F1—or at least in a front-running seat—may be nearing a close.
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Media scrutiny: His candid language about his performance suggests a deep internal pressure—one Ferrari will struggle to manage publicly.
For Bortoleto:
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Emerging opportunity: A public push from a figure as influential as Ecclestone gives Ferrari—and the sport at large—ground to take the Brazilian’s potential seriously.
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Long-term thinking: If Ferrari does choose to be proactive, Bortoleto’s blend of performance and youth fits into a larger generational shift underway in F1.
Final Thoughts
Bernie Ecclestone’s commentary may lack subtlety, but it’s rarely without impact. In his recent remarks, he’s signaled a dawning shift in the Ferrari narrative—from Hamilton’s twilight struggles to the bright promise of a Brazilian teenager.
Whether the Scuderia takes any of this to heart remains to be seen. But for now, Ecclestone’s words ensure the conversation around Hamilton’s future—and who could replace him—continues to define the paddock.
