Ferrari questioned over 'political' Lewis Hamilton signing

Former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone has questioned if Ferrari made the "right decision" signing Lewis Hamilton, deeming the Briton as a "bit political". 

Hamilton announced ahead of last season that he would be joining Ferrari for 2025 on a multi-year contract; however, he has experienced a rocky start to life in red. 

Adjusting to how the Maranello-based outfit works and how to extract performance from the SF-25 has proven difficult for the seven-time world champion, who is still chasing a first podium for Ferrari. 

Whilst he achieved a Sprint pole and sprint victory in Shanghai, a grand prix pole or podium is yet to be achieved after 14 races for the Scuderia. 

So much is different for the 40-year-old at Ferrari, compared to what he became so accustomed to over his 12-year stint with Mercedes. 

Communication breakdowns with his race engineer were heard early in the year, whilst he declared himself as being "useless" following a Q2 exit in Hungary. 

Ecclestone is hopeful the 105-time race winner can rediscover his very best form to turn his Ferrari move around, but is unsure if the correct decision was made in signing Hamilton in the first place.

"It is quite incredible," Ecclestone told F1 destinations. "Ferrari worked well under the leadership of Jean Todt, when he brought Michael 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 [Hamilton] 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."