Ecclestone’s Dire Prediction: Hamilton ‘Won’t Last’ at Ferrari
Lewis Hamilton’s high-profile move to Ferrari for the 2025 Formula 1 season has sparked a wave of excitement among fans and analysts alike. However, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cast a shadow over the transition, predicting that Hamilton “won’t last” at the iconic Italian team. Ecclestone’s comments, known for their bluntness and occasional controversy, have ignited fresh debate over whether the seven-time world champion can succeed in the famously political and demanding Ferrari environment.
Ecclestone’s Concerns: A Difficult Marriage?
Ecclestone, who ran Formula 1 for decades before Liberty Media took over in 2017, has never been one to shy away from bold statements. Speaking about Hamilton’s upcoming tenure at Ferrari, he suggested that the British driver might struggle to adapt to Ferrari’s culture, which has historically been challenging for non-Italian drivers.
“Lewis is used to a team built around him,” Ecclestone reportedly said. “That’s not how Ferrari operates. It’s an institution where even the best drivers have struggled to impose themselves. I don’t think he’ll last long.”
Hamilton has spent over a decade at Mercedes, where the team revolved around his leadership and driving style. The Brackley-based squad provided an optimal environment for Hamilton to dominate the sport, winning six of his seven world championships there. Ecclestone believes that the transition to Ferrari, which has often been plagued by internal politics, inconsistent car performance, and strategic blunders, may frustrate Hamilton.
The Challenge of Ferrari’s Unique Culture
Ferrari is unlike any other team in Formula 1. With an almost religious following in Italy and a deeply ingrained corporate structure, the Scuderia has often struggled to maintain harmony between management, drivers, and engineers. Even legends like Fernando Alonso and Sebastian Vettel, both multiple-time world champions, failed to secure titles with Ferrari despite coming close.
Hamilton’s move also raises questions about how he will coexist with Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s current star driver. Leclerc has been the team’s golden boy since joining in 2019, and while Ferrari insists on equal treatment for its drivers, history suggests that internal rivalries can be difficult to manage.
If Ferrari’s 2025 car fails to deliver a competitive edge, Hamilton could find himself in a situation similar to Vettel’s in 2020—frustrated, demoralized, and out of sync with the team’s vision.
Hamilton’s Response and the Optimistic View
Despite Ecclestone’s grim prediction, Hamilton remains confident about his move. He has expressed excitement about the challenge, stating that driving for Ferrari was always a dream of his. The Briton’s adaptability and relentless drive have been key factors in his success, and if he can bring his championship-winning experience to Ferrari, he might be able to turn the team into genuine title contenders.
Moreover, the technical leadership of Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal and a longtime acquaintance of Hamilton, could play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition. If Ferrari provides Hamilton with a car capable of winning, his ability to extract the maximum from any situation could prove Ecclestone wrong.
Final Thoughts
Bernie Ecclestone’s prediction that Hamilton “won’t last” at Ferrari may be rooted in past experiences of great drivers struggling at the team, but it would be unwise to underestimate Hamilton. While Ferrari’s internal politics and operational inconsistencies remain concerns, Hamilton’s determination and pedigree could help him thrive in the red overalls.
Whether Ecclestone’s words turn into reality or Hamilton defies expectations, one thing is certain—his move to Ferrari will be one of the most fascinating sto
rylines in modern F1 history.
