Lewis Hamilton tipped to potentially leave Ferrari before his deal even starts in shock U-turn that would stun F1

Former F1 owner Bernie Ecclestone has had his say on whether Lewis Hamilton should walk away from his deal with Ferrari following nightmare final season at Mercedes.

Hamilton made the shock announcement in February this year that he would be leaving Mercedes after 11 years at the German team to sign for Ferrari.

The season that has followed has been far from ideal for Hamilton, as he sits seventh in the championship behind his teammate George Russell.

However, Hamilton will be encouraged by Ferrari's performance in 2024 with the team second in the constructors championship and winning two of the last three races to date.

Hamilton will be desperate to secure his eighth world title and surpass Michael Schumacher, but speaking to The Daily Mail, Eccleston thinks Charles Leclerc will be a major obstacle for Hamilton to overcome.

"I believe he won't [win the championship]. I don't think it will be easy for Lewis. Especially in that team. They will back Charles Leclerc. He's quick and has grown up there, they won't dump him for anyone," Eccleston explained.

"However, from Lewis' point of view, it may not have been a mistake to join Ferrari. He couldn't exist any longer at Mercedes. Either he's given up with them or they have given up on him.

"They wouldn't do much to keep him, so he is better off going," he added.

Eccleston was also questioned on whether Hamilton should pack up his bags and leave before he's even started, which is by far one of the more unlikely scenarios.

"He would have to walk away from a lot financially, it is a big deal he has got, though I suspect the bonus clauses written into his contract are there to make him feel good rather than reality," Eccleston continued.

"For John Elkann, the guy who runs it, it was a big ego thing. He thought he had captured the best guy the world had ever seen."

Rather sensationally Eccleston does believe Hamilton should back out of his move to Maranello, with the former F1 boss claiming if his ability is fading, he should move on with dignity.

"If Lewis is fading, which I don't like to see, he should go away and do something else, and do a good job at it," he explained.

Bernie Ecclestone aged 94- Getty

Hamilton will be 40 by the time he steps in a Ferrari car in Australia next year, so there is no doubt the motorsport legend is coming towards the winter of his career.

However, the continued performance of Fernando Alonso at 43 will give Hamilton confidence he can continue to perform at the highest level.