Ralf Schumacher casts doubt on Lewis Hamilton's 2026 Ferrari prospects

Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has cast doubt on Lewis Hamilton's prospects for the 2026 season, arguing the seven-time world champion will continue to struggle despite sweeping regulation changes. Schumacher points to Hamilton's alleged aversion to simulator work and a reluctance to adapt his approach as fundamental issues that the new rules won't solve, suggesting the problems are more mental than physical.

Why it matters:

Hamilton's highly anticipated move to Ferrari is a defining storyline for the next era of Formula 1, with the Scuderia banking on his talent to end their championship drought. Schumacher's comments, from a fellow former driver, fuel existing concerns about whether Hamilton can adapt after two decades with a single team. The 2026 reset will reward adaptability, and this prediction directly questions Hamilton's willingness to evolve his methods.

The details:

• Simulator Aversion: Schumacher claims that "behind the scenes, you hear he doesn't like simulators and he's still looking for that old driving feel." He interprets this as a sign of a mental block, stating, "it's not just age, but also a mental issue. He's no longer willing to open up."
• Lack of Driver Input: The former Williams driver highlighted a known trait from Hamilton's early career: he was "never much of a setup tinkerer." He referenced the Mercedes philosophy where "the drivers drive, the team does the setup," suggesting this is a deeply ingrained weakness.
• 2026 Mismatch: Schumacher argues that the massive 2026 regulation overhaul, affecting both chassis and engines, will not suit Hamilton. The new era is expected to demand more driver involvement in development and fine-tuning, a skill he believes Hamilton lacks.

Looking ahead:

While Schumacher's perspective is stark, it remains one opinion ahead of a season that promises to level the playing field. Hamilton's immense talent and experience cannot be discounted, and Ferrari will be building a new car around him. The ultimate test will come during pre-season testing, where the world will see if Hamilton can defy these predictions and forge a potent partnership with the Maranello squad in F1's new era.