Ferrari tipped to 'steal' shock F1 driver to replace Lewis Hamilton in move that would stun grid
Ferrari have been told to 'steal' one shock driver from another team to replace Lewis Hamilton.
Last year, seven-time Formula 1 world champion Hamilton sent shockwaves through the sporting world by announcing his decision to leave Mercedes for Ferrari.
However, since putting on the iconic red race suit of the Scuderia, the Brit has struggled to adapt to his new car.
In truth, the SF-25 has performed way below expectations, but Hamilton is currently a long way off teammate Charles Leclerc.
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As things stand, Hamilton is sixth in the drivers' standings with 109 points, 42 behind Leclerc.
Last weekend, Hamilton cut a dejected figure as he told Ferrari to replace him after he endured a tough qualifying session.
He said: "I'm useless, absolutely useless.
"The team has no problem, you've seen the car on pole so they probably need to change driver."
In Sunday's main race, the 40-year-old's woes continued as he finished in 12th place.
After Hamilton's comments, fans have begun to speculate whether he is ready to call time on what is already an illustrious career at the pinnacle of motorsports.
Speaking recently, former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone stated that Ferrari should have their eyes on a rookie to replace Hamilton.
As reported by The Mirror, Ecclestone said to Mail Sport: "If I could steal him, I would take Isack Hadjar from Racing Bulls.
"He has done super well in his first year and is a great guy. I also rate our friend from Brazil [Sauber driver Gabriel Bortoleto]. He is talented. Both of them are sensible, too."
Lewis Hamilton urged to 'stop now' amid Ferrari struggles
The 94-year-old went on to claim that Hamilton is now 'tired' from being in the sport and has urged the Ferrari man to 'stop now'.
He said: "Lewis is very talented, was and probably still is. But, like a lot of leading sports personalities when they reach the top, there is only one way to go, and it is not a good direction. It is only down.
"They get tired. Lewis is tired. He has been doing what he is doing forever. He needs a rest from it for good, a total reset to do something completely different. He may not think it, but he will soon get used to doing other stuff away from motor racing in retirement. I think he should have done it a while ago. The guy is not a cheat. But he would be cheating himself if he goes on. He should stop now."
Ecclestone continued: "If I were looking after him I would negotiate with Ferrari immediately and say, 'If you have someone to replace Lewis, he will step aside.
"He is not fighting for a World championship and is at a stage of his life when it would not be worth him spending two years laid up in bed with a broken back or anything else nasty. He does not need to take the risk any longer. He has won seven world titles and that is quite enough."
Topics: Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Formula 1
Marcus Chan