Ralf Schumacher Urges Ferrari to Consider Bearman Over Hamilton Amid Performance Doubts

Ralf Schumacher has openly questioned Lewis Hamilton's future at Ferrari, suggesting chairman John Elkann might struggle to justify Hamilton's high salary given his recent performance. Schumacher wonders if Ferrari could be contemplating a shift towards promising Haas F1 rookie Oliver Bearman, who is significantly more cost-effective and has shown impressive form.

Why it matters:

This commentary from Ralf Schumacher, a respected voice in F1, highlights growing scrutiny over Lewis Hamilton's move to Ferrari, even before it officially begins. The prospect of Ferrari opting for a young, less expensive talent like Bearman over a multi-world champion like Hamilton could signal a significant strategic shift, impacting both driver market dynamics and Ferrari's long-term vision.

The details:

• Hamilton's Performance Under Scrutiny: Ralf Schumacher asserts that Hamilton's recent speed is "just okay, but not better," and he's been making "a lot of mistakes." This assessment is critical, especially when juxtaposed with his expected high earnings at Ferrari.
• Bearman's "Wonders": In contrast, Schumacher praises Oliver Bearman's performance with Haas, stating he's "working wonders." Bearman's impressive debut and cost-effectiveness make him an attractive alternative.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis: Schumacher points out the stark financial difference: Hamilton's rumored salary is "well over 60 million a year," while Bearman would cost "only a fraction." He believes Elkann may find it difficult to justify Hamilton's contract given the current situation.
• Ferrari's Potential Reassessment: Schumacher speculates that Ferrari might re-evaluate its strategy, questioning if Hamilton has "stood still" in performance. He suggests Ferrari could prefer a "young, fresh driver who drives the brand forward and who we can build something with toward the regulations of the future."

Between the lines:

Schumacher's comments suggest a deeper dissatisfaction with veteran drivers' performance relative to their high salaries, especially when emerging talents like Bearman show immediate promise. This isn't just about Hamilton; it's a broader discussion about value for money and future-proofing teams in a rapidly evolving sport.

What's next:

While Hamilton's move to Ferrari for 2025 is confirmed, Schumacher's remarks add a layer of intrigue regarding the team's long-term driver strategy beyond the immediate contract. The performance of both Hamilton at Mercedes and Bearman in any future F1 outings will be closely watched, potentially influencing future decisions at Maranello as they look towards the 2026 regulations and beyond. The internal discussions at Ferrari, particularly under John Elkann's leadership, will be critical in determining how the team balances established star power with emerging talent.