F1 Legend Bernie Ecclestone urges Lewis Hamilton to quit car racing before anything bad happens to him

 Formula One icon, Bernie Ecclestone has urged car racer, Lewis Hamilton to walk away from Formula One immediately, warning that he should secure his full Ferrari payout before anything bad happens to him on the track. His advice comes after Hamiltons dismal outing at the Hungarian Grand Prix, where he qualified 12th and finished outside the points far behind his Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc, who took pole. The seven-time world champion harshly criticised himself post-race, calling himself absolutely useless and suggesting Ferrari should replace him. Despite confirming he would probably return after F1s summer break for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 31, Ecclestone believes its time for Hamilton to call it a day. Lewis is very talented was, and probably still is, the 94-year-old told Mail Sport from Portugal.But like a lot of top sports personalities, once theyve reached the top, theres only one way to go and its down. Ecclestone, who led F1 for four decades before Liberty Medias 2017 takeover, was present at the Budapest race, which he originally brought behind the Iron Curtain in 1986. They get tired. Lewis is tired. Hes been doing what hes doing forever, he said.He needs a rest from it for good. A total reset. He may not think it, but hell soon get used to doing other things in retirement. Hamilton, 40, is in his first year of a 60 million-per-season, three-year deal with Ferrari. Since his blockbuster move from Mercedes, he has struggled for form, failing to land a single podium in 14 races, while being out-qualified by Leclerc 10 times. His only notable win came in a sprint race in China. Hes not a cheat. But he would be cheating himself if he continues, Ecclestone added.If I were looking after him, Id negotiate with Ferrari and say, If youve got someone ready, Lewis will step aside but pay the contract in full. It could work for both parties.Ecclestone has experienced firsthand the risks of F1, having managed two drivers who died in action Stuart Lewis-Evans in 1958, and Jochen Rindt in 1970, F1s only posthumous world champion.I wouldnt want anything bad to happen to Lewis, Ecclestone said.Hes not fighting for a title and is at a stage in life where it wouldnt be worth spending two years in a hospital bed with a broken back or anything else nasty. He doesnt need to take that risk anymore. Hes won seven titles thats quite enough.Ecclestone floated two young drivers as potential Ferrari successors:If I could steal him, Id take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls. Hes done super well and is a great guy, he said.I also rate our friend from Brazil Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber. Talented, and sensible too.But Toto Wolff, Hamiltons longtime Mercedes boss, disagrees with Ecclestone and insists Hamilton should stay the course into 2026, when new regulations will reset the field.Lewis has unfinished business in Formula One, said Wolff. Mercedes underperformed with the 2022 regulations, and its affected him maybe its a driving style issue.But with the brand-new cars and power units in 2026, its absolutely on for Lewis. If he has confidence in the car, theres no reason he cant win an eighth title. The post F1 Legend Bernie Ecclestone urges Lewis Hamilton to quit car racing before anything bad happens to him appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.