Schumacher: Hamilton 'Unable to Change' at Ferrari, Future Doomed
Ralf Schumacher critically assesses Lewis Hamilton's challenging first year at Ferrari, suggesting the seven-time world champion is unable to adapt his driving style to the car. Schumacher argues this inflexibility, combined with forthcoming new regulations, signals a worrying trajectory for Hamilton's future at Maranello and advocates for investing in young talent like Oliver Bearman instead.
Lewis Hamilton's inaugural year in red is concluding with more questions than answers, leading Ralf Schumacher to suggest a deeply worrying trajectory for the seven-time world champion. With the season finale in Abu Dhabi approaching, Hamilton finds himself battling Andrea Kimi Antonelli for sixth in the standings, a stark contrast to the championship aspirations Ferrari had hoped he would rekindle.
Why it matters:
Ralf Schumacher's candid assessment that Lewis Hamilton is struggling to adapt to Ferrari and its car raises significant questions about the multi-champion's future at Maranello. If Hamilton's inability to change his driving style persists, it could severely undermine Ferrari's ambitions to challenge for titles under new regulations, potentially signaling a critical misstep in their long-term strategy and sparking a debate about investing in proven talent versus emerging potential.
The Details:
- Stagnation, Not Progress: Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, Schumacher stated that Hamilton's season peaked with his Sprint race win in China, an isolated moment rather than a sign of sustained progress.
- Lack of Adaptation: Schumacher believes Hamilton hasn't been able to help the team move forward, implying a critical inability to adapt to the challenging Ferrari machine.
- Driving Style: "Lewis is somewhat chasing the feeling he had when he last became world champion, that he needs in this car. That’s a clear sign that he’s no longer able to change his driving style," Schumacher observed, highlighting a potential irreversible decline in adaptability.
- Future Regulations: With completely new rules arriving next year, Hamilton would need to fundamentally alter his style again. Schumacher sees his current struggles as a dangerous indicator for this future requirement.
- Bearman's Potential: Schumacher advocates for Oliver Bearman, currently excelling at Haas, to take a Ferrari seat alongside Charles Leclerc. He argues that investing in Bearman represents investing in the future, contrasting it with Hamilton's 'past'.
- Sainz Comparison: Schumacher drew a direct comparison to Carlos Sainz, who, despite moving to Williams and facing initial challenges, achieved a podium finish. Schumacher believes Hamilton should have demonstrated similar immediate impact at Ferrari.
The Big Picture:
Schumacher's commentary points to a broader dilemma for Ferrari as they navigate future regulations. The Scuderia must decide whether to continue banking on Hamilton's legendary status and pedigree or to pivot towards a younger, adaptable lineup. This decision will be crucial for their long-term competitiveness, especially as they aim to build a car and team capable of consistent championship contention, a goal that has eluded them in recent years. The current season's performance from Hamilton puts this strategic choice under intense scrutiny.
What's next:
While Ferrari is unlikely to publicly endorse Schumacher's blunt assessment, Hamilton's performance has undeniably fallen short of expectations. With sweeping new regulations set to arrive, the team faces a critical decision: double down on Hamilton's experience or invest in a driver lineup built for the long term. If Hamilton cannot find a way to adapt and demonstrate significant progress, the calls for a shift towards younger talent like Oliver Bearman will only grow louder, potentially forcing Ferrari's hand in shaping its future driver strategy. The coming season will be a defining one for both Hamilton and Ferrari.