F1 news: Ralf Schumacher urges Ferrari to replace Lewis Hamilton with rising star
Lewis Hamilton’s first season with Ferrari has spiraled into one of disappointment and scrutiny.
What was meant to be a dream move has turned into a nightmare, as the seven-time world champion endures one of the toughest campaigns of his career.
His retirement at the São Paulo Grand Prix, coupled with Charles Leclerc’s crash, left Ferrari without a single point and saw the team drop to fourth in the Constructors’ Championship.
Ferrari chairman John Elkann publicly expressed his frustration after the race, praising the team’s mechanics and engineers but urging the drivers to “talk less” and focus on results.
The remarks followed Hamilton’s own admission that his Ferrari dream had “become a nightmare,” a statement that only deepened the tension inside Maranello - writes Sports News Blitz’s Noah Ngcobo.
Schumacher calls for change
Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher has added to the pressure, suggesting Ferrari should consider replacing Hamilton with rising star Oliver Bearman.
Schumacher argues that Hamilton’s performances no longer justify his £60 million annual salary.
“With Lewis, you have to see it this way,” Schumacher said. “He’s making too many mistakes, and his speed is fine but no longer exceptional.
“Meanwhile, Ferrari has a young Bearman up its sleeve who’s doing wonders with Haas, and he costs a fraction of that salary.”
Schumacher believes the 20-year-old British driver represents Ferrari’s future, especially with the 2026 regulations approaching.
He insists that Bearman’s potential, combined with his lower cost, makes him a smarter investment for the team’s long-term ambitions.
READ MORE: Ferrari’s 2026 aspirations: Project 678, championship aims, and ‘talking less’
Questions about Hamilton’s form
Hamilton’s results have done little to silence his critics. The Briton has yet to stand on the podium this season and currently sits sixth in the Drivers’ Championship.
Ferrari’s decision to halt car development mid-season has not helped, but repeated errors and inconsistent pace have raised doubts about his ability to adapt to the team’s machinery.
Commentators have echoed Schumacher’s sentiment, suggesting that Hamilton may no longer be able to deliver the level of precision that once defined him.
Dutch analyst Olav Mol said Bearman’s momentum is “impossible to ignore,” while former driver Robert Doornbos noted that Ferrari is paying a fortune “for little in return.”
Ferrari’s tough decision ahead
Reports suggest Hamilton’s contract contains break clauses that could allow either party to exit early, depending on performance targets. With results failing to meet expectations, Ferrari may soon face a choice between backing the veteran or investing in the next generation.
For now, Hamilton remains determined to turn things around, but with Elkann demanding progress and Schumacher pushing for change, the pressure at Maranello continues to build.
Whether Ferrari chooses experience or youth could define the team’s next chapter - and Hamilton’s legacy in red.
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