In what could be one of the most controversial suggestions of the Formula 1 season, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has publicly called for Lewis Hamilton to retire from the sport with immediate effect, citing concerns over the seven-time World Champion’s performance and mental well-being.
Hamilton have had a disappointing season and the most recent Hungarian Grand Prix was no different. Finishing 12, Hamilton gave his worst result yet with Ferrari.
The Brit, who switched from Mercedes to Ferrari on a three-year, £60 million-per-year deal, has yet to register a podium finish in 14 races for the Scuderia, intensifying scrutiny over his form and future.
Why Lewis Hamilton Needs To Retire From Formula 1
Speaking to media persons from Portugal, Ecclestone did not mince words.
“Lewis is very talented, was and probably still is. But like a lot of leading sports personalities when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it’s not a good direction,” said the 94-year-old former F1 boss.
“Lewis is tired. He’s been doing what he is doing forever. He needs a rest from it for good, a total reset to do something completely different. He may not think it but he will soon get used to doing other stuff away from motor racing.”
Ecclestone went so far as to suggest that Hamilton would be “cheating himself” if he continued in this form and urged Ferrari to line up a replacement immediately.
Lewis Hamilton: “I Still Love Racing”
Despite the criticism, Hamilton remains defiant. After his difficult weekend at the Hungaroring — which included a Q2 exit in qualifying and a pointed post-race comment that Ferrari “probably need to change driver” — he reaffirmed his commitment to F1.
“No, I still love racing,” he told Sky Sports F1 when asked if he had lost his passion for the sport.
“There’s a lot going on in the background that is not great… I’m looking forward to going away [for the summer break].”
His remarks sparked fresh speculation about internal tensions within Ferrari, especially after teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position and finished inside the top five.
Also Read: Will Lewis Hamilton Retire? All You Need To Know About His Recent State
Ferrari’s Season So Far: A Tale of Two Drivers
While Hamilton has struggled, Ferrari as a team currently sits second in the Constructors’ Championship with 260 points, ahead of his former team Mercedes. Leclerc, meanwhile, is fifth in the Drivers’ standings with 151 points, compared to Hamilton’s 109 in sixth.
Still, Hamilton’s experience and consistency have played a key role in the Scuderia’s solid points haul — a fact that Ferrari and F1 leadership have not ignored.
Hamilton is expected to return at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, after a much-needed summer break. Whether the pause will bring a performance resurgence or signal the beginning of a farewell tour remains to be seen.
One thing is clear: the F1 paddock is divided. With Ecclestone calling for retirement and Domenicali calling for patience, the next few races could be career-defining for one of the sport’s greatest ever.
