Bernie Ecclestone has advised Lewis Hamilton to consider leaving Formula 1 due to his challenging season with Ferrari. Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, switched to Ferrari at the beginning of this season after departing from Mercedes but has faced a tough time, failing to secure a podium finish in 14 races and finishing in 12th place at the recent Hungarian GP.
The 40-year-old has been outperformed in qualifying by his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc on multiple occasions, prompting Ecclestone, a former F1 chief, to suggest that it might be the right moment for Hamilton to take a break from racing. Ecclestone emphasized Hamilton’s talent but expressed concerns about the downward trajectory top athletes often face once they reach the pinnacle of their careers.
Ecclestone recommended that Hamilton negotiate with Ferrari to step aside and make way for a replacement if necessary to avoid potential harm to himself. He stressed the importance of Hamilton considering his well-being and future, citing his impressive seven world titles as a significant achievement.
Hamilton, who initially signed a two-year contract with Ferrari, reportedly urged the team to find a replacement following his disappointing performance in Budapest. With the upcoming race in the Netherlands at the end of the month, Hamilton and his competitors are gearing up for a brief respite before the next challenge on the track.
