The former F1 boss told the Daily Mail: “He’s tired now. If he keeps racing, he’ll be making a fool of himself. Why take the risk? Ferrari, there are two young drivers you should be focusing on.”
Discouraged, sad, disappointed to the point of calling himself useless. Lewis Hamilton caused a stir with his outburst after qualifying in Hungary, admitting that he was unable to make a difference with Ferrari. According to Bernie Ecclestone, the latest disappointing results should prompt the seven-time F1 world champion to consider retirement. The former Circus boss spoke bluntly to the British newspaper Daily Mail. And, in addition to his pointed advice to Hamilton, the manager was also candid about Ferrari, inviting them to consider two interesting profiles.
Ecclestone initially identified the phase his compatriot is going through in his career: “Lewis was a great talent and probably still is. But when they reach the top, all the greats in sport can only go in one direction, and that’s down.“ Bernie then continued his analysis: ”Hamilton is tired, he’s been doing this job all his life. He needs to reset and do something totally different from motorsport. Maybe he’s not thinking about it yet, although it would have been a good idea to start considering it some time ago.”
RETIREMENT— So, according to Ecclestone, mental and physical fatigue have begun to take their toll on the former champion. Hence the invitation to consider retiring from racing: “Hamilton is not a cheat, but he would be fooling himself if he continued racing. He should quit now. If I were his manager, I would say to Ferrari: ‘Is there anyone who can replace him? Lewis is ready to step aside.’ I would like his contract to be honored, because the team signed him with an important goal in mind. However, things are not working out, so they could agree on this.” The former F1 number one added: “Hamilton has already won seven world championships, there’s no need to take any more risks. I don’t wish him any harm, but he’s no longer fighting for the title. It wouldn’t make sense to risk spending two years in bed because he’s got a broken back or something else bad.”
REPLACEMENTS— So, from Ecclestone’s point of view, Ferrari should consider letting Hamilton go. But who could replace him? The Briton has a clear idea: “I would try to get Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. He did very well in his first year. He’s also a great guy. Or I’d go for Gabriel Bortoleto. He’s talented. Both are very good.” Both Hadjar and Bortoleto are making their F1 debut and are not even 21 years old. The Frenchman, linked to Red Bull, has scored 21 points, seven more than the Brazilian, who is doing well at the wheel of Sauber.
