Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is convinced that Lewis Hamilton will not claim an eighth world championship even if he were driving for Ferrari, insisting that the British driver’s previous successes are firmly secured. Having led Formula 1 for over four decades and played a key role in shaping it into the global spectacle it is today, Ecclestone, now 94, recently made a rare paddock appearance in Austria, presenting a winner’s medal to race victor Rand Norris.
Despite his history as a critic of Hamilton—often focusing on the driver’s off-track interests and lifestyle—Ecclestone was straightforward when asked by Sky Sports if Hamilton could add another title before retiring, bluntly answering “No.” He described Hamilton’s early career as fortunate due to less formidable competition, particularly highlighting his dominant years at Mercedes when fewer rivals challenged him at the top.
Ecclestone said, “I think he was lucky… it was a bit easier because there wasn’t much competition in the beginning. And now he has competitors. When he was winning everything, there weren’t many people at the top. But I hope he can still get the job done. Whether he can win the world championship he’s aiming for now is a whole other story.”
Hamilton’s move to Ferrari has been challenging and hasn’t lived up to pre-season hype. Despite his past glories, the seven-time champion has yet to secure a podium finish with Ferrari in 2025. His best result so far was winning the sprint race at the Chinese Grand Prix, but he has frequently been outpaced by teammate Charles Leclerc. Unlike his relative success at Mercedes alongside George Russell, Hamilton has struggled with race pace at Ferrari, candidly admitting after the Austrian Grand Prix that his performance “was simply not enough.”
Fan Take: This insight from Ecclestone highlights a shift in F1’s competitive landscape, where even legends like Hamilton face mounting challenges. Racing fans should watch closely as Ferrari and Hamilton’s evolving partnership could define the next era of the sport or signal a greater rise of new contenders.
