Despite a more convincing start to the 2026 season at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton remains far from unanimous. Ralf Schumacher even believes that the Brit can no longer compete with Charles Leclerc in the long term.
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After a difficult first season at Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton seems to have regained more confidence in 2026. The seven-time world champion has shown a much stronger level since the start of the year and finally appears more comfortable with the new generation of cars.
The Brit notably secured a podium in Shanghai and was more competitive during several weekends, confirming a clear improvement compared to his previous campaign.
At Ferrari, this rise in form naturally fuels hope of seeing Hamilton return sustainably to the fight at the front. But not everyone in the paddock shares this optimism.
Ralf Schumacher, for his part, remains convinced that the 41-year-old driver will not be able to keep pace with Charles Leclerc over a full season.
Ralf Schumacher no longer believes in Hamilton’s chances
In the Backstage Boxengasse podcast on Sky Sports Germany, the former F1 driver gave a particularly harsh analysis of Hamilton’s future.
While he acknowledges the progress shown this season, Schumacher believes the gap with Charles Leclerc will inevitably appear.
“I have to be honest: Hamilton is clearly in better shape this year, there is no doubt about that, he explains. Over the course of a season and in the long term, he has no chance against Leclerc. That’s simply the reality.”
For Schumacher, the age factor now plays too important a role against a driver like Leclerc, considered one of the fastest talents of his generation.
Alonso also targeted by criticism
Ralf Schumacher did not stop at Hamilton’s case alone.
Fernando Alonso was also targeted by the former Williams and Toyota driver. According to him, the two world champions should consider leaving Formula 1 to make way for the new generation.
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“It’s time. Even if they probably don’t want to hear it, he believes. Hamilton and Alonso have had a magnificent career in Formula 1, but I think it’s time to free up seats for young drivers.”
Comments that will obviously provoke reactions, as Hamilton and Alonso remain major figures in the championship.
Oliver Bearman already mentioned to replace Hamilton
Schumacher goes even further by mentioning a possible successor at Ferrari: Oliver Bearman. The young Brit has been impressing for several months and already appears as one of the great hopes of the sport. For Schumacher, Ferrari could quickly be tempted to offer him an opportunity.
“Oliver Bearman really deserves his chance at Ferrari,” he judges.
He even believes that the arrival of the young driver could create a new dynamic against Charles Leclerc: “If he gets this opportunity, he will immediately be a real challenge for Leclerc.”
Ferrari faces a delicate choice for the future
For now, Ferrari continues to rely on Hamilton’s experience to try to regain the top. The Brit remains one of the most popular and experienced drivers in the history of the sport.
But Ralf Schumacher’s statements also illustrate a question that is coming up more and more often in the paddock: how much longer can Hamilton still compete with the young references on the grid?
At 41, the Ferrari driver remains extremely competitive, but the pressure around his performances will not disappear as long as he is compared to Charles Leclerc.
And if the results do not quickly follow in the fight for the title, debates about his retirement could become increasingly insistent as the season progresses.
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