Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has warned Lewis Hamilton to consider retiring before something “nasty” happens to him on the track. The 94-year-old says the seven-time world champion is taking unnecessary risks by continuing to race, especially now that he’s no longer fighting for the title.
Hamilton, now 40, made the switch from Mercedes to Ferrari at the start of 2025, but things haven’t gone to plan. At the Hungarian Grand Prix, he qualified only 12th and later called himself “useless”, even suggesting that Ferrari should consider changing drivers.
Ecclestone believes Hamilton is no longer getting much out of racing and is risking his health for no good reason. “He’s won seven titles. That’s more than enough. He doesn’t need to risk breaking his back or anything worse,” Ecclestone told Mail Sport.
He also said Ferrari should consider buying Hamilton out of his contract early. As for who could replace him, Ecclestone named two rising stars: Isack Hadjar, who races for Racing Bulls, and Gabriel Bortoleto from Stake. Both drivers have impressed in their rookie seasons.
Hadjar has consistently scored points and made it into Q2 in every qualifying session so far. Bortoleto recently finished sixth in Hungary and has out-qualified his team-mate Nico Hülkenberg more times this season.
Ecclestone said, “If I could, I’d steal Hadjar. He’s done really well and is a sensible guy. I also rate Bortoleto – he’s talented and mature.”
With Ferrari under pressure to get results and Hamilton struggling, the idea of bringing in fresh talent is gaining more attention. Whether Hamilton steps down or turns things around remains to be seen.
