Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has spoken out about the current form of Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion had a disastrous race weekend in Hungary. He remained out of the points after a poor qualification, called himself ‘useless’ and urged Ferrari to look for a new driver. Ecclestone advises him to leave – and even has potential replacements in mind.
Lewis Hamilton experienced one of the worst races of his impressive career at the Hungaroring. The former world champion was eliminated in Q2, while his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc claimed pole position in a dominant fashion. In the race, Hamilton failed to gain any positions, and he finished outside the points – his worst result ever at the circuit near Budapest. Speaking to the media, he called himself ‘useless’, thereby reigniting speculations about his future in Formula 1.
Ecclestone: ‘Hamilton should make way’
Bernie Ecclestone, who headed Formula 1 for many years, did not mince words about Hamilton in an interview with Sky Sports. “Lewis has done a fantastic job and is incredibly talented,” began the now 94-year-old Brit. “But I think he should make way for the next generation. It would be terrible if something happened to him now.”
That statement took a surprising turn in a conversation with the Daily Mail, in which Ecclestone suggested that rookie Isack Hadjar might be a suitable successor for Hamilton. “If I could snatch him away, I would take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls,” said Ecclestone. “He’s doing fantastic in his first year and is a great guy.” Hadjar is seen as one of the biggest talents of the current season. In addition to the young Parisian, Ecclestone also expressed his admiration for Sauber promise Gabriel Bortoleto. “I also have a lot of respect for our friend from Brazil,” said Ecclestone. “He is also very talented. Moreover, both drivers are very sensible.”
