Lewis Hamilton Urged to Leave Ferrari by Bernie Ecclestone, But Toto Wolff Believes His F1 Journey Is Not Over.
Lewis Hamilton’s debut season with Ferrari has not gone according to expectations. After 14 races without securing a podium finish, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion has come under increasing scrutiny, with many questioning his future in the sport.
Former Formula One CEO Bernie Ecclestone has openly suggested that it may be time for Hamilton to consider stepping away from Formula 1.
Ecclestone’s comments came after Hamilton expressed his frustration following a disappointing 12th-place finish at the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. The result became even more disappointing as his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, had started the race from pole position.
According to Ecclestone, Hamilton has spent many years at the very top of Formula 1 and may need a complete reset before beginning a new chapter outside of racing. He even suggested that Ferrari could continue paying Hamilton his full salary if the British driver decided to retire.
However, not everyone shares Ecclestone’s view. Toto Wolff, Hamilton’s former team principal at Mercedes, believes the legendary driver still has unfinished business in Formula 1.
Wolff sees the 2026 regulation changes as a major opportunity for Hamilton to make a strong comeback. The introduction of new technical rules and power unit regulations could create a fresh competitive landscape, giving Ferrari and Hamilton a chance to fight at the front once again.
With seven world championships and a career filled with historic achievements, Hamilton remains one of the greatest drivers in Formula 1 history. The big question now is whether his difficult Ferrari chapter marks the beginning of the end, or if it becomes the stage for one of the greatest comebacks of his legendary career.
