Ecclestone Slams Hamilton-Ferrari Move as Mere 'Marketing Project'

Former F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has ignited controversy by dismissing Lewis Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari as purely "a financial marketing project," rather than a genuine pursuit of a championship.

Why it matters:

Ecclestone's comments, particularly his questioning of Hamilton's current form and Ferrari's management structure, cut to the core of the F1 world's perception of this blockbuster partnership. If his assertions hold any truth, it suggests that the most talked-about driver transfer in recent memory might be more about commercial appeal than sporting ambition, raising questions about the future competitiveness of both Hamilton and Ferrari.

The Details:

• Hamilton's Performance questioned: Ecclestone, who recently turned 93, stated in an interview with Sport.de that Hamilton is struggling, noting, "Everything is slipping away from him there. He wanted to become world champion there and is now surprised that he can't do it." He went on to call Hamilton "one of the best of the last ten years, but not the best."
• "Financial marketing project": Ecclestone bluntly labeled the Hamilton-Ferrari alliance as primarily a "financial marketing project," suggesting Hamilton will be "doing more with fashion in the future" than focusing on racing.
• Criticism of Ferrari's management: The former F1 boss also took aim at Ferrari's organizational culture, asserting that the team needs "a dictator at the top to be successful." He implied that current Team Principal Frederic Vasseur is not suited for this role, citing internal Italian interference: "Everyone in Italy has a say there and interferes in what is right and what is wrong."
• Ferrari's technical struggles: The article also touches upon Ferrari's ongoing technical challenges with its SF-25, specifically mentioning issues with the rear suspension. Engineers have reportedly struggled to maintain optimal ride height, leading to sacrifices in downforce and pace to avoid penalties, as seen with a disqualification in China.

Between the Lines:

Ecclestone's remarks highlight a cynical view within certain F1 circles about the motivations behind high-profile moves. While Hamilton's commercial appeal is undeniable, dismissing his sporting ambitions entirely could be seen as an attempt to diminish the significance of his career twilight. The criticism of Ferrari's "dictator" need also reflects a long-standing perception of the team's internal political struggles, which many believe hinder its championship aspirations.

What's next:

As Hamilton prepares for his final season with Mercedes before moving to Maranello, his on-track performance will be under intense scrutiny. His ability to turn around Mercedes' fortunes in 2025 and then adapt to Ferrari in 2026 will be the ultimate test of Ecclestone's controversial claims. Meanwhile, Ferrari's ability to address its technical shortcomings, particularly the rear suspension issues and the broader philosophical changes hinted for its 2026 challenger, will be crucial in proving that their pursuit of Hamilton is more than just a marketing exercise.