Bernie Ecclestone, the former Formula 1 executive, has called for a driver change at Ferrari, suggesting that Lewis Hamilton should be replaced amid a challenging 2025 season. Ecclestone has recommended two surprising rookie candidates as potential successors, highlighting a low-cost option as well as the need for a fresh approach to restore Ferrari’s competitiveness.
At the Hungarian Grand Prix, Hamilton failed to make it past Q2 in qualifying, starting in 12th place, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc secured pole position. The race weekend added to a series of disappointing performances for the seven-time world champion in his first year driving for Ferrari. Hamilton himself expressed frustration, admitting he felt “useless” and telling his team that
“they probably need to change driver.”
During the race, Ferrari opted for a one-stop strategy for Hamilton, starting him on hard tires. This decision left him stuck in traffic during his initial stint, trapped in a DRS train that limited overtaking opportunities. One of Hamilton’s more notable moments came when he defended his position against Max Verstappen but had to avoid a collision by running off the track. The race result matched Hamilton’s worst finish since the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, intensifying scrutiny of his current performance level.
There have also been questions about the working relationship between Hamilton and his race engineer Riccardo Adami, although Hamilton apologized to Adami after the weekend’s struggles, showing his frustration with the situation. The ongoing difficulties have fueled debate on whether Hamilton is delivering for Ferrari as expected.
Bernie Ecclestone’s critical assessment of Hamilton’s current form
In an interview with the Daily Mail, Bernie Ecclestone was openly critical of Hamilton’s performance and future in Formula 1, despite acknowledging the driver’s significant talent. Ecclestone suggested Hamilton might be past his prime and in need of a “total reset” that could mean retirement or a complete break from racing.
“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. It’s only down,”
Ecclestone stated, highlighting the natural decline that elite athletes face after sustained success.
On Lewis Hamilton’s 2025 season results up to August 5, the best finishes have been outside the top 10, including a 10th place in Australia and 12th in Hungary, with no points scored in several other races. This disappointing form underscores why calls for change have intensified.
“They get tired. 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 in retirement. I think he should have done it a while ago.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 executive
Rookie drivers as potential replacements for Hamilton at Ferrari
When asked about who could replace Hamilton at Ferrari, Ecclestone surprisingly named two young and relatively inexpensive rookies: Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto. Both drivers debuted in Formula 1 during the 2025 Australian Grand Prix and have shown promise as future stars on the grid.
Hadjar, part of the Red Bull family and racing for the sister team Racing Bulls, impressed in his rookie season with consistent points finishes in challenging races such as Japan, Spain, and Monaco. He currently stands 13th in the Drivers‘ Championship and is drawing attention not only for his performance but also for his comparatively low salary of £800,000 per year, the smallest of any Formula 1 driver by a large margin.
Meanwhile, Bortoleto drives for Kick Sauber and experienced a rough start to his debut season but has recently demonstrated growth with points finishes in Austria, Belgium, and an impressive sixth place at the Hungarian GP.
“I also rate our friend from Brazil [Gabriel Bortoleto]. He is talented. Both of them are sensible, too.”
—Bernie Ecclestone, former F1 executive
Ecclestone praised Hadjar’s development and character, saying,
“If I could steal him, I’d take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy.”
These endorsements reflect their rising reputation within the sport and suggest they could be worthy candidates to reinvigorate Ferrari’s driver lineup.
Implications for Ferrari’s future and the broader F1 landscape
The strong recommendation from a figure as influential as Bernie Ecclestone adds weight to the speculation about Lewis Hamilton’s position at Ferrari. As the Tifosi expect more competitive performances, the team‘s leadership may have to consider bold decisions to regain their winning edge. Introducing talented young drivers like Hadjar or Bortoleto could bring fresh energy and long-term potential, especially given their affordability compared to established stars.
For Hamilton, Ecclestone’s remarks highlight the physical and mental toll of a long F1 career and the challenges of maintaining peak performance. If the driver does step away or is replaced, it will mark the end of a significant era and open the door for new talent to emerge at one of Formula 1’s most prestigious teams.
The ongoing 2025 season will likely determine whether Ferrari acts on these suggestions or continues to back Hamilton through his adjustment period. Both the team and driver face pressure to deliver results in the coming races, with the potential reshuffling of the driver lineup an issue the paddock will be watching closely.
