Hamilton won't join Ferrari, Ecclestone explains

Bernie Ecclestone doubts that Lewis Hamilton will swap Mercedes for Ferrari before bringing down the curtain on his Formula 1 career. Hamilton has often spoke of his admiration of the red cars and has often been linked with a future at Maranello.

With five world titles under his belt, only Ferrari icon Michael Schumacher stands above Hamilton for championship victories and race wins.

However, former F1 supremo Ecclestone does not believe that following in the footsteps of the German great – as he did by replacing him at Mercedes – will form part of Hamilton's plan.

"He's in great shape," Ecclestone told Sport Bild of Hamilton. "Formula 1 is basically Lewis' hobby, he's really comfortable.

"I don't think he'll change teams now. I think if Mercedes stop in 2020, Lewis will stop as well."

Ecclestone also believes that Hamilton's achievements have begun to impact his rivals, particularly Sebastian Vettel.

Given Ferrari's clear pace advantage in Sakhir, Vettel ought to have been in position to capitalise on Charles Leclerc's late engine failure from the lead, but he came home fifth after suffering front wing damage after his fight with Hamilton.

Ecclestone says Vettel's growing list of on-track mistakes had led to people underrating him, but admits that a focus on Hamilton has played its part.

He said: "Formula 1 needs a Sebastian who wins. People underestimate him. He will find a way out of the low he's in.

"I've thought a lot about it, because I really like Sebastian and he is my friend. He often makes silly mistakes when he's fighting Lewis. It's like a mental block for him.

"Sebastian really respects Lewis and wants to do better than him. In Bahrain, he could have overtaken him later because his car was faster."

Like Hamilton, Ecclestone believes Vettel has made his last major move in F1.

"He won't change teams, he will end his career," Ecclestone said. "And I think not much is needed for that to happen.

"Sebastian has a happy family life and does not want Formula 1 to put him out of balance."

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