Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has urgent advice for Ferrari. The six-time Grand Prix winner observed Lewis Hamilton‘s significant struggles during his debut season for Scuderia in 2025 and fears that the Italian team is ‘doomed to fail’ in their world championship ambitions if they continue with the Brit. ‘The team needs to place a second young driver alongside Charles Leclerc,’ says Schumacher.
Lewis Hamilton not only completed his first season in Ferrari red, but the Brit also experienced his first year in Formula 1 without a podium finish. The seven-time world champion has had several low points during his disappointing debut season with Scuderia – Hamilton even referred to himself as ‘useless’ after the qualifying round in Hungary – and expressed his eagerness for the winter break after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Ralf Schumacher also observed Hamilton’s struggles with Ferrari this year and came to the following conclusion. “Lewis needs to let go of Ferrari and, above all, allow the team to place a second good and young driver alongside Leclerc next year,” the former driver told Sky. “Otherwise, Ferrari is doomed to fail. They cannot develop a car that is suitable for both Charles and Lewis. And Ferrari cannot afford to compete for the world championship next year with only one car, with only Charles Leclerc at the wheel.”
Riding Style
The current analyst then explains why he would prefer Leclerc over Hamilton. “Developing a car in one weekend, that is, in my opinion, Lewis Hamilton’s biggest weakness,” Schumacher continues. “Lewis is desperately searching for the driving feel with which he once won. Apparently, he then completely rebuilds the car and demands things that are simply impossible. He is unable to change his driving style,” concludes the six-time Grand Prix winner.
