Lewis Hamilton is currently enduring one of the most challenging phases of his racing career. The seven-time world champion’s 2025 season with Scuderia Ferrari has fallen far short of expectations, leading to widespread disappointment. Former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone has publicly criticized the situation, labeling Hamilton’s Ferrari 2025 struggles as particularly embarrassing for both the driver and the team.
High Hopes Dashed as Ferrari and Hamilton Fail to Deliver
Ferrari shocked the Formula 1 community by signing Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 season before the preceding year even concluded. The Italian team envisioned the British driver as the catalyst to restore Ferrari’s dominance on the grid and believed Hamilton’s extensive experience would help them return to the top of the podium. However, Hamilton’s first year with the Prancing Horse has been marred by poor results, with the seven-time world champion failing to reach a podium finish in any traditional race, despite winning the sprint race in China.
The British driver has openly expressed his frustrations, even describing himself as “useless” and suggesting Ferrari should consider finding a replacement. Ecclestone, now 94, emphasized that Ferrari’s expectations for Hamilton were unrealistic and that this unmet hope only deepened the team’s letdown.
“Unfortunately the wrong people were chosen. You need someone to bring some people…The most embarrassing thing, in my opinion, for Lewis and Ferrari is that they thought he could do all the things that were necessary. You must be disappointed that what was supposed to be delivered was not delivered.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Supremo
The Risk of Lewis Hamilton Being Forgotten in Formula 1
Lewis Hamilton’s legacy as one of Formula 1’s all-time greats is indisputable. The Briton holds seven world championships and over 100 race victories, making him the most successful driver in the sport’s history. Nevertheless, his current performance at Ferrari contrasts starkly with his past achievements, leading many fans to see him as a shadow of his former dominant self.
Ecclestone warned that if Hamilton’s poor form continues for another season or two, it could tarnish his legacy to the point where fans forget his illustrious career and only remember the struggles at Maranello. The former F1 boss urged Hamilton to consider retiring soon rather than risk fading into obscurity while still active.
“The danger that – if he continues for another year or a year and a half and hasn’t gotten better by then – people will forget him and his achievements… He should stop.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Supremo
Signs of Fatigue and Lost Focus After Two Decades in Racing
Ecclestone also observed indications that Hamilton’s motivation and focus have diminished. After nearly twenty years in Formula 1, the driver appears worn out, and racing is no longer his sole priority. The veteran noted that with many young drivers emerging in the sport, Hamilton’s window to make a significant comeback is closing rapidly.
“You’re getting tired, and Formula 1 is no longer the only thing in his life. I think he’s lost his focus. Twenty years is a long time and we now have a lot of young drivers in F1.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, Former F1 Supremo
Implications for Ferrari and What Lies Ahead
Ferrari’s gamble on Lewis Hamilton has not yielded the results the Italian outfit desperately sought. Despite his best efforts, the 40-year-old driver has been unable to deliver the success Maranello expected, intensifying disappointment among Ferrari’s passionate fanbase, the Tifosi. With a challenging first half of the season behind them, hopes now rest on Hamilton mounting a turnaround to salvage some pride before the year ends.
As the 2025 season progresses, the situation at Ferrari will remain under scrutiny. Whether Hamilton can rediscover his form or if changes will occur remains uncertain, but the pressure to perform has never been higher for the British driver and Scuderia Ferrari alike.
