Lewis Hamilton Warned About ‘Enemies’ at Ferrari as Former F1 Chief Raises Concerns
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, is set to embark on a new chapter in his Formula 1 career by joining Ferrari this season. However, amid the anticipation of his move, former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has cautioned that Hamilton may encounter challenges at the Italian team.
Having dominated the sport with Mercedes for over a decade, Hamilton’s decision to switch to Ferrari sent shockwaves through the racing world. Ecclestone, known for his influence in shaping F1’s commercial landscape, has expressed reservations about how Hamilton will be received within the Scuderia.
Ecclestone suggested that even if Hamilton performs exceptionally well on the track, he might not receive a warm reception due to the presence of ‘enemies’ at Ferrari. The dynamics within the team, particularly with Hamilton’s new teammate Charles Leclerc, could potentially lead to friction behind the scenes.
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari’s rising star, has been a part of the team’s Driver Academy since 2016 and has established himself as a key figure within the Italian outfit. With Leclerc already having partnered with another world champion, Sebastian Vettel, Ecclestone voiced concerns about the level of support Hamilton may receive at Ferrari.
Age is another factor that Ecclestone touched upon, referring to Hamilton, aged 40, and Leclerc, aged 27. While some may speculate about age influencing perceptions, Ecclestone believes that it is more about the duration a driver has been in the sport rather than their actual age.
Despite acknowledging Hamilton’s immense talent as a driver, Ecclestone expressed disapproval of certain aspects of the Brit’s off-track pursuits, such as his involvement in the music industry. Speculation swirls about how long Hamilton will continue racing, particularly with a reported £100 million contract extending at least until the new 2026 regulations.
As Ecclestone’s critical commentary reverberates throughout the F1 community, the spotlight intensifies on Hamilton’s upcoming stint at Ferrari. How the legendary driver navigates the challenges and dynamics within the team will undoubtedly be a focal point of the upcoming season.
In the competitive landscape of Formula 1, where egos and ambitions often clash, Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari signifies not just a change in team colours but potentially a shift in his career’s narrative. As the motorsport world eagerly awaits the showdown on the track, the drama off-track adds an additional layer of intrigue to what promises to be a captivating season.