Ralf Schumacher Suggests Ferrari Should Consider Hamilton Buyout for Bearman

Ralf Schumacher has sparked a heated debate regarding Lewis Hamilton's future at Ferrari, suggesting the team might be better off paying out the seven-time world champion and promoting young talent Oliver Bearman. This comes after a disappointing Brazilian Grand Prix for Hamilton and public criticism from Ferrari boss John Elkann.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's long-term strategy and championship aspirations could be significantly impacted by their driver lineup, especially as they look ahead to the 2026 regulations. The discussion around potentially replacing a legendary driver like Hamilton with a rising star highlights the immense pressure and high stakes in Formula 1, where performance and cost efficiency are paramount.

The Details:

• Schumacher's Proposal: Speaking on the Sky podcast 'Backstage Boxengasse', Ralf Schumacher proposed that Ferrari should consider buying out Lewis Hamilton's contract. He argued that young driver Oliver Bearman, who has impressed in Haas, would be significantly cheaper and represents a long-term investment for the team.
  • Schumacher estimated Hamilton's salary to be in the 'high double-digit millions', a substantial figure compared to a young talent.
• Ferrari's Public Criticism: Ferrari chairman John Elkann recently criticized his drivers, stating they need to "drive more and talk less." This comment has intensified scrutiny on Hamilton, who has not secured a podium finish in 21 races.
• Performance Comparison: Teammate Charles Leclerc has achieved seven podiums in the same period and holds a significant lead over Hamilton in the championship standings (214 to 148 points).
• Hamilton's Recent Struggles: Schumacher expressed doubts about Hamilton's ability to turn things around at Ferrari, noting that the sport might be moving "too fast for him." He also pointed out that Hamilton will be 41 at the start of the 2026 season.
  • Schumacher believes Hamilton is exerting 'more than 100 percent' effort to match Leclerc, leading to errors, such as his collision with Carlos Sainz in Brazil, which resulted in a penalty and early retirement from the race.
• Precedent: Schumacher highlighted that Ferrari has a history of such drastic moves, citing the 2009 buyout of Kimi Räikkönen's contract to make way for Fernando Alonso.

What's next:

If Ferrari were to consider such a radical move, it could mark a significant shift in their approach and potentially signal the end of Lewis Hamilton's illustrious Formula 1 career. While speculative, the discussion underscores the relentless demands of top-tier motorsport and Ferrari's continuous pursuit of championship success.