Seven-time Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has responded to Bernie Ecclestone’s latest remarks, dismissing the former F1 supremo’s doubts about his Ferrari move as irrelevant. Ecclestone, 94, recently claimed Hamilton would not see out his two-year contract with Ferrari and criticized his non-racing ventures as “nonsense.”
Hamilton, who made a high-profile switch to Ferrari after 12 successful years at Mercedes, is determined to secure his eighth world title. However, Ecclestone questioned whether the British driver still has the motivation to compete at the highest level and suggested that Ferrari’s focus would remain on Charles Leclerc.
Lewis Hamilton has moved to Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes (AP)
Hamilton (left) is teammates with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari this year (Twitter/X: @ScuderiaFerrari)
In response, Hamilton remained unfazed by Ecclestone’s comments, emphasizing his unwavering dedication to racing. “I’ve heard it all before,” Hamilton stated. “People have doubted me at every stage of my career, and yet here I am, still competing at the top level and still hungry to win.”
Hamilton also dismissed the notion that his interests outside of F1, such as fashion and music, distract him from his performance on the track. “I’ve always believed that being a well-rounded individual makes me a better driver. I bring my full self to everything I do, and that won’t change because of someone else’s opinion.”
Bernie Ecclestone believes Hamilton won’t even see out his two-year deal at Ferrari (Getty Images)
The 40-year-old Brit has been acclimating to his new surroundings at Ferrari with extensive testing at Fiorano and Barcelona. As he gears up for his debut season with the Scuderia, Hamilton remains focused on the ultimate goal: adding another world championship to his already illustrious career.
Hamilton’s first race for Ferrari will take place at the Australian Grand Prix on March 16, following pre-season testing in Bahrain from February 26-28. Ferrari fans worldwide are eager to see whether the legendary driver can defy the critics once again and bring glory back to Maranello.
