Former long-time Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone believes that record world champion Lewis Hamilton should consider retirement in the wake of poor results. Hamilton, 40, has had a difficult start at Ferrari after 12 years at Mercedes where he won six of his record-tying seven world titles.

Despite Lewis Hamilton’s recent comments referring to himself as “absolutely useless”, Ferrari Team Principal Fred Vasseur defended the seven-time World Champion, saying he is “frustrated but not demotivated.

Bernie Ecclestone has urged Lewis Hamilton to retire from Formula One amid his torrid start to life at Ferrari. Seven-time world champion Hamilton, 40, has failed to secure a podium in his first 14 races for the Scuderia and was despondent last weekend, after qualifying and finishing 12th in Hungary.