Bernie Ecclestone has advised Lewis Hamilton to leave Formula 1 amidst his struggles at Ferrari this season. The seven-time world champion’s move to the Italian team has not gone as planned, with no podium finishes in 14 races and a disappointing 12th place at the recent Hungarian GP.
Hamilton has been outperformed by his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on multiple occasions, prompting Ecclestone to suggest that it might be time for the British driver to consider stepping back from racing.
The 94-year-old expressed concerns about Hamilton’s fatigue and the potential risks of continuing in the sport. He stated that Hamilton should take a break and explore new opportunities outside of motor racing to avoid compromising his legacy.
Ecclestone emphasized the importance of Hamilton putting his well-being first and avoiding unnecessary risks, especially considering his impressive track record of seven world titles. Hamilton recently urged Ferrari to find a replacement for him after his disappointing performance in Budapest, where he reportedly earned around £60m per year.
As Hamilton and his rivals prepare for the upcoming race in the Netherlands at the end of the month, the future remains uncertain for the seasoned driver.