Bernie Ecclestone: Lewis is tired

      Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone believes it's time for Lewis Hamilton to end his career...

      Bernie Ecclestone: "Lewis is very talented; he was and is probably still so. But, like many outstanding athletes, when they reach the top, there's only one way down.

      They also grow tired. Lewis is tired. He's been doing what he's doing for what seems like an eternity. He needs a break, a complete reboot, to do something completely different. He might not realize it now, but he'll soon get used to doing something other than racing cars. I think he should have done this some time ago.

      If I were managing his affairs, I would immediately start negotiations with Ferrari and say: 'If you have someone to replace Lewis, he will step aside.'

      In Lewis's place, I would tell Ferrari that I want to receive the full amount of his contract. They signed him because they believed he could deliver. 'If it doesn't work out, I can step aside, but that’s the agreement.'

      I really don't want anything bad to happen to Lewis. He's not battling for the championship right now, and he's at a stage in his life where he shouldn't be lying in bed for two years with a broken back or some other problem. He no longer needs to take risks. He has won seven world titles; that's more than enough.

      I would take Isaac Hajjar from Racing Bulls to Ferrari. He performed excellently in his debut season and is a great guy. Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber could also be an option. He's talented."