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Former F 1 CEO Questions Ferrarifor Signing Political Lewis Hamilton

Former F1 CEO Bernie Ecclestone Questions Ferrari's Decision to Sign 'Political' Lewis Hamilton

In a recent interview, Bernie Ecclestone, the longtime former CEO of Formula One, has raised eyebrows by openly criticizing Ferrari's high-profile signing of Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season. Ecclestone, who played a pivotal role in shaping modern F1 into the global spectacle it is today, suggested that the Italian team might come to regret bringing the seven-time world champion on board. His comments center on what he perceives as Hamilton's waning competitive edge and his increasing involvement in off-track activism, which Ecclestone dismissively labeled as "political" distractions.

Ecclestone's remarks come at a time when Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari is one of the most talked-about transfers in motorsport history. The British driver, who has been with Mercedes since 2013 and secured six of his seven championships there, announced earlier this year that he would be switching to the Scuderia for a multi-year deal starting in 2025. This shift will see him partner with Charles Leclerc, potentially forming one of the most formidable driver lineups in the sport. Ferrari, eager to end their championship drought that dates back to 2008, views Hamilton as a key piece in their puzzle to challenge dominant teams like Red Bull and reclaim their former glory.

However, Ecclestone isn't convinced. Speaking candidly, the 93-year-old motorsport mogul argued that Hamilton, now 39, may no longer possess the razor-sharp speed and focus that defined his earlier career. "Lewis is a great driver, but he's not the Lewis of old," Ecclestone reportedly said. He pointed to Hamilton's recent performances, noting that while the driver has shown flashes of brilliance—such as his emotional victory at the British Grand Prix this year—his overall consistency has dipped amid Mercedes' struggles against faster rivals. Ecclestone implied that Ferrari's decision could be a gamble, especially considering the enormous financial commitment involved. Hamilton's contract is rumored to be worth around $100 million per year, making it one of the most lucrative in F1 history.

Beyond pure racing ability, Ecclestone took aim at Hamilton's extracurricular activities, which he believes detract from his primary role as a driver. Hamilton has long been an outspoken advocate for various social and environmental causes. He has used his platform to champion diversity in motorsport, support the Black Lives Matter movement, and push for sustainability initiatives within F1. For instance, Hamilton has been vocal about climate change, even influencing the sport's push toward hybrid engines and net-zero goals. He's also launched initiatives like Mission 44, aimed at improving representation in STEM fields for underrepresented groups. These efforts have earned him praise from fans and activists alike, positioning him as a role model who transcends the racetrack.

Yet, Ecclestone sees this activism as a liability. "He's become too political," Ecclestone stated, suggesting that such involvements could alienate Ferrari's traditional fanbase or create internal distractions. Ecclestone has a history of controversial opinions on social issues in F1; he previously downplayed racism in the sport and clashed with Hamilton over topics like equality. This isn't the first time Ecclestone has critiqued Hamilton—back in 2020, he accused the driver of being "a bit too much" in his advocacy, which sparked backlash from Hamilton and others who defended the importance of using fame for positive change.

Ferrari's rationale for signing Hamilton appears multifaceted. Team principal Fred Vasseur has emphasized Hamilton's experience and winning mentality as assets that could elevate the team's performance. Ferrari has struggled in recent years with reliability issues and strategic missteps, despite having a competitive car at times. Hamilton's arrival is expected to bring not just speed but also a wealth of technical knowledge from his time at Mercedes, potentially aiding Ferrari in refining their car development. Moreover, Hamilton's global stardom could boost Ferrari's commercial appeal, attracting sponsors and expanding their international fanbase. The move also aligns with Hamilton's personal ambitions; he has expressed a lifelong admiration for Ferrari, citing icons like Michael Schumacher as inspirations. Winning an eighth title with the Prancing Horse would cement his legacy as the greatest of all time, surpassing Schumacher's record.

Ecclestone's skepticism extends to the broader implications for F1. He questioned whether Hamilton's "political" side might clash with Ferrari's more conservative, heritage-driven culture. The team, based in Maranello, Italy, has a storied history intertwined with national pride and tradition, and some observers wonder if Hamilton's progressive stances—such as his support for LGBTQ+ rights and criticism of human rights issues in certain host countries—could create friction. Ecclestone even speculated that Ferrari might have been better off investing in younger talent, like promoting from their driver academy or pursuing someone less encumbered by external commitments.

Despite these doubts, Hamilton remains undeterred. In recent statements, he has reiterated his excitement about the Ferrari challenge, emphasizing his hunger to compete at the highest level. His 2024 season, while not championship-contending, has included podium finishes and a strong showing in qualifying sessions, proving he still has the skill to compete with younger stars like Max Verstappen and Lando Norris. Supporters argue that Hamilton's activism enhances his value, making him a holistic ambassador for the sport in an era where social responsibility is increasingly important to younger audiences.

Ecclestone's comments have ignited debate within the F1 community. Some veterans echo his concerns, viewing Hamilton's off-track pursuits as potential distractions in a high-stakes environment where split-second focus is crucial. Others, including current drivers and team principals, praise Hamilton for evolving the role of an F1 driver beyond mere competition. For instance, Mercedes boss Toto Wolff has defended Hamilton, highlighting how his advocacy has brought positive attention to the sport.

As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on how Hamilton integrates into Ferrari. Will he silence critics like Ecclestone by delivering on-track success, or will the "political" label prove prophetic? Ferrari's gamble could either propel them back to dominance or highlight the challenges of blending star power with team dynamics. Regardless, Hamilton's move represents a seismic shift in F1, blending legacy, ambition, and controversy in a way that keeps the sport's narrative as thrilling as the races themselves.

This perspective from Ecclestone underscores the generational divide in F1, where traditionalists prioritize pure racing purity, while a new wave embraces drivers as multifaceted influencers. Hamilton's journey with Ferrari will undoubtedly be a defining chapter, testing whether experience and activism can coexist with unyielding speed on the world's fastest circuits. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/sports/racing/former-f1-ceo-questions-ferrari-signing-political-lewis-hamilton-2113411 ]