Lewis Hamilton‘s first season at Ferrari has been marked by persistent difficulties, with the British driver failing to secure significant results in the opening 13 races of the year. His recent performance at the Hungarian Grand Prix, which took place just before the summer break, was notably poor and is considered one of the weakest weekends in his racing career. This disappointing showing prompted former Formula 1 chief Bernie Ecclestone to urge Hamilton, who is 40 years old, to reconsider the risks he takes while competing.
Hamilton’s problems began early during the Hungarian GP weekend and extended through qualifying, where his struggles continued. Feeling unable to contribute effectively, Hamilton reportedly asked Ferrari to find a replacement for him. Throughout the race, his pace remained uncompetitive, and several incidents on track saw him finish only in 12th place. Despite his aspirations to keep racing for Ferrari until he can claim another championship, Ecclestone voiced concerns about the current trajectory of Hamilton’s career.
Bernie Ecclestone Raises Safety Concerns Over Hamilton’s Future
Bernie Ecclestone expressed apprehension about Hamilton’s safety and long-term well-being, stressing that the seven-time world champion should avoid unnecessary risks at this stage. While Hamilton has managed to steer clear of serious crashes recently, Ecclestone warned that a severe injury, such as a “nasty broken back,” could abruptly end his career and would be particularly damaging given that Hamilton is not currently in championship contention.
“I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to Lewis, He’s not fighting for a world championship and is at a stage of his life when it wouldn’t be worth him spending two years laid up in bed with a broken back or anything else nasty.”
— Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 chief
The veteran F1 figure highlighted that Hamilton has already achieved exceptional success and urged him to prioritize his health over aggressive racing maneuvers. Ecclestone’s emphasis was on the value of preserving Hamilton’s legacy rather than risking further setbacks that might require long recovery periods.
Ecclestone Recommends Hamilton Avoid Further Risks
Bernie Ecclestone reminded Hamilton that his record is already extraordinary, with seven drivers’ championships and numerous race victories to his name. The 94-year-old suggested that the Briton no longer needs to risk his career pursuing additional titles, especially since his current performance does not position him as a championship favorite.
“He doesn’t need to take the risk any longer. He’s won seven world titles and that is quite enough.”
— Bernie Ecclestone, former Formula 1 chief
Ecclestone’s advice points toward a more cautious approach, emphasizing that Hamilton’s achievements have firmly established his place among the greatest in the sport’s history.
Hamilton Eager to Return to Racing After Summer Break
As the Formula 1 circuit pauses for the month-long summer break, Lewis Hamilton has expressed his intention to return to racing with determination. After a challenging first half of the season, Hamilton acknowledged the emotional weight the break carries but remains focused on competing in the races ahead. Despite the setbacks encountered in Hungary, the driver looks forward to regaining momentum as the season resumes.
Context of Ongoing Debates and Current F1 Environment
In the broader F1 landscape, discussions continue around driver performances and future prospects. Bernie Ecclestone’s warnings come amid a period of uncertainty for Hamilton at Ferrari and reflect the intense pressures faced by aging drivers in the highly competitive environment. Hamilton’s situation contrasts with other athletes in tennis and basketball who are also grappling with expectations and recent defeats, highlighting a shared theme of managing career longevity and performance limits across sports.
Hamilton’s experience underlines the difficult balance between ambition and safety that elite athletes often must navigate, particularly in physically demanding motorsports. His case serves as a reminder that while the pursuit of glory remains a powerful drive, preserving health is crucial for sustaining a meaningful presence in racing.
