Former F1 CEO Questions Ferrari for Signing ‘Political’ Lewis Hamilton

Former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has questioned Scuderia Ferrari for signing Lewis Hamilton, who he believes is “political.” Ecclestone has been surprised by Ferrari’s current struggles, especially given that the team hasn’t won a Grand Prix in the last 14 rounds.

The red team is currently placed second in the Constructors’ Championship with 260 points, trailing McLaren by 299 points. Charles Leclerc was on his way to the team’s maiden win in the last race in Hungary after starting from pole position, but a problem with his SF-25’s chassis meant his pace dropped significantly, leading him to finish fourth.

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Speaking about the seven-time world champion, his sprint race victory in China early in the season filled many with the hope that he could elevate Ferrari to new heights. However, Hamilton has found it challenging to adapt to his car. The race at the Hungaroring saw him start and finish the race in P12.

The disappointing Q2 exit in qualifying left him dejected to the point where he described himself as being “useless” and said that Ferrari should change the driver. Hamilton has never appeared so low since his Ferrari onboarding in January 2025.

Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on in the Drivers Press Conference during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Belgium at Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps on July 24, 2025 in Spa, Belgium.
The Briton admitted that he wasn’t happy with certain things at Ferrari, but refused to reveal details. Ecclestone, who led F1 from the 1970s until 2017, chose not to blame the staff at Ferrari for its current performance, but stressed that someone needed to lead the team in a determined manner, and also questioned Hamilton’s hiring. In an interview with F1 Destinations, the 94-year-old was asked about his views on Ferrari’s ongoing challenges. He said:

“It is quite incredible. Ferrari worked well under the leadership of Jean Todt, when he brought Michael [Schumacher] and many other personnel from Benetton. At the moment, I cannot say anything negative about the Italian staff working for Ferrari. But I think the team needs someone to take charge, find the right direction and get the job done.

“I am not sure that taking Lewis was the right decision. Lewis is obviously talented, but a little bit political, which is typical for Ferrari and typical for him. But he could come to life again which would be good for him and good for Ferrari.”

With ten F1 races to go before the 2025 season concludes, it remains to be seen whether Ferrari can address the problems on its SF-25 and have it set up in the working window Hamilton prefers.