Ralf Schumacher: Hamilton's Ferrari Hurdles Are 'Mental,' Not Age-Related
Ralf Schumacher claims Lewis Hamilton's challenges at Ferrari are mental, not age-related. He points to Hamilton's reported simulator aversion and a driving style that requires a stable car as key hurdles for the seven-time champion.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher has weighed in on Lewis Hamilton's high-stakes move to Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time champion's biggest battle will be mental, not against his age or teammate Charles Leclerc. Schumacher believes Hamilton's struggle to adapt to a new car and his reported dislike for simulators could pose significant challenges in his quest for an eighth title with the Scuderia.
Why it matters:
Hamilton's move from Mercedes to Ferrari is the most significant driver transfer in recent F1 history, carrying the weight of a nation's expectations and his own legacy-defining quest for an eighth world title. Schumacher's theory shifts the focus from Hamilton's age to his adaptability, a critical factor that could determine Ferrari's immediate competitiveness. If the seven-time champion struggles to find his footing, it could hand an early advantage to rivals like Red Bull and McLaren in what's expected to be a tightly contested season.
The details:
- Schumacher stands by his preseason prediction that Hamilton would not immediately fight for the championship and would need time to acclimate to the team and match teammate Charles Leclerc.
- A key concern is Hamilton's reported aversion to simulators. With limited pre-season testing, modern drivers rely heavily on sim work to understand new cars, and this reluctance could be a major handicap.
- Driving Style Clash: Schumacher highlights a potential mismatch, stating the Ferrari is becoming "more twitchy," a characteristic Leclerc excels with. In contrast, Hamilton is said to "need stability at the rear," suggesting the car's inherent nature may not suit his driving preferences.
- The former driver concludes the core issue is "mental," noting Hamilton is "no longer willing to open up," implying a potential resistance to fully embracing the new team's methods and car characteristics.
What's next:
The upcoming season will be the ultimate test. Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur is counting on Hamilton to fully "embrace the package," but Schumacher remains skeptical about the prospects of a quick adaptation. The early races of 2025 will be crucial indicators. If Hamilton can silence the critics and find harmony with the car, Ferrari's title ambitions could be reignited. If not, the team may face a season of internal adjustment rather than fighting at the sharp end of the grid.