Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher thinks it is time for Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso to give up their seats in Formula 1 to younger drivers. According to the current analyst, Hamilton in particular is past his peak and no longer even stands a chance of beating his teammate Charles Leclerc. “It is time for both drivers to leave the cockpit at the end of the year and give younger drivers a chance,” concludes Schumacher.
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Lewis Hamilton ended his podium drought at the recent Chinese GP. After 25 Grands Prix in Ferrari red, the Brit drove to third place for the first time at the Shanghai International Circuit. Hamilton had previously said he enjoys racing the 2026 Ferrari car more than its predecessor, but according to Ralf Schumacher, that comes too late.
“I have to be honest and say that Hamilton is definitely doing better this year, there is no doubt about that,” said the former F1 driver in the Backstage Boxengasse podcast. “But you also have to admit that, over the whole year and in the long term, he doesn’t stand a chance against Leclerc. That’s just how it is.”
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The six-time Grand Prix winner then extended his criticism to Fernando Alonso as well. “It’s time,” he added. “I wouldn’t like to hear that either. But Hamilton, and Fernando Alonso just as much, have had a wonderful time in Formula 1, but I think it is time for both to leave the cockpit at the end of the year to give younger drivers a chance.”
Bearman
According to Schumacher, the Brit “has achieved everything he can achieve” in Formula 1. “His comeback this year is great, but everything comes to an end. That’s why I’m saying it now: I think it’s time to give the youth a chance as well.” The former driver also immediately knows to whom he would give the seven-time world champion’s seat at Ferrari. “Oliver Bearman has truly earned the chance to drive for Ferrari. If he gets the chance, he will definitely make it count. That will be a challenge for Leclerc, I’m quite sure of that.”
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Read everything about the Canadian GP here
