Ralf Schumacher launched FRESH attack on Lewis Hamilton after Ferrari clash…read more
In a recent series of critiques, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has expressed skepticism regarding Lewis Hamilton’s impending move to Ferrari for the 2025 season. Schumacher, the younger brother of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, has raised concerns about Hamilton’s adaptability and potential impact within the iconic Italian team.
Schumacher’s primary contention centers on Hamilton’s ability to develop and fine-tune a car to his driving style. He contrasts this with his brother Michael’s tenure at Ferrari, where Michael was instrumental in guiding the team’s engineering direction. “The biggest difference is that Michael, among many other qualities, was able to develop a car perfectly for his driving style together with the engineers,” Ralf Schumacher remarked. “Lewis can’t do that. He’s never been able to do that, if you listen carefully to what the Mercedes technicians say.”
He further emphasized that Hamilton’s approach has been more about driving the car provided to him, rather than influencing its development. This perspective suggests that Hamilton may face challenges in adapting to Ferrari’s machinery, especially when compared to his future teammate, Charles Leclerc. “Michael always gave his confidants like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt the direction,” Schumacher added. “That makes things even more difficult for Lewis: because Charles Leclerc is the top dog. Everyone in the team knows him. For Lewis, everything is new at Ferrari.”
Schumacher also highlighted the potential risks associated with Hamilton’s move, particularly if the car’s performance doesn’t align with his driving style. He pointed out that at Mercedes, George Russell often outpaced Hamilton, attributing this to differences in adaptability. “A young driver has more capacity and knows better how to adapt to a car. He understands the limits of a car better,” Schumacher explained. “A driver as experienced and successful as Lewis was successful in cars that were largely built according to different rules and happened to suit his driving style.”
Age and motivation were additional factors Schumacher brought into the discussion. He questioned whether Hamilton, who will turn 40 in January 2025, possesses the same level of motivation and adaptability as in his earlier years. “The danger is there if everything goes negatively,” Schumacher noted. “Lewis must demonstrate his ability to adapt and perform at Ferrari. The danger is there; if everything goes badly, he might not see out his contract if he is unable to bounce back from his struggles.”
The dynamics between Hamilton and Leclerc also came under scrutiny. Schumacher emphasized that Leclerc, having been with Ferrari since 2019, has established himself firmly within the team and does not view himself as a secondary driver. “Hamilton is of course a seven-time World Champion and a fantastic driver. But I don’t think he has the qualities that Verstappen has. I don’t think he is as consistent as Verstappen. And he cannot get that extra tenth out at any cost,” Schumacher stated.
These comments have elicited a range of reactions from the Formula 1 community. Some fans perceive Schumacher’s critiques as stemming from jealousy or a desire to protect his brother’s legacy. One fan remarked, “Not too surprising that the brother of Schumacher thinks Schumacher is the goat but I’m glad that Lewis is living in their heads rent free.”
Others have defended Hamilton’s capabilities, pointing to his track record and adaptability over the years. They argue that Hamilton’s success across different teams and regulations demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level, regardless of the machinery. “It took Michael 21 years to set the records that Lewis only took 12 years to break, and in some cases obliterate,” another fan noted.
As the 2025 season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on Hamilton’s integration into Ferrari and his partnership with Leclerc. While Schumacher’s critiques highlight potential challenges, many believe that Hamilton’s experience and skill will enable him to overcome these obstacles. The coming season will reveal whether Hamilton can adapt to his new environment and continue his pursuit of an eighth world championship.
In the broader context, Schumacher’s comments underscore the inherent uncertainties in high-profile team changes within Formula 1. The combination of driver adaptability, team dynamics, and machinery performance will play crucial roles in determining the success of such moves. Hamilton’s transition to Ferrari is poised to be one of the most closely watched storylines in recent F1 history, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how this new chapter unfolds.
Ultimately, while critiques and skepticism are part and parcel of the sport, the true test will be on the track. Hamilton’s legacy, already firmly established, faces a new challenge, and his response to it will further define his place in Formula 1 history.
