Ralf Schumacher has delivered a strong assessment of Lewis Hamilton’s future at Ferrari. The former Formula 1 driver believes Hamilton should begin considering retirement at the end of the season despite showing improved performances throughout 2026.
Hamilton has looked significantly more competitive compared to his difficult debut Ferrari campaign in 2025, when he failed to secure a podium finish. This season, the seven-time world champion has already achieved a podium in China and appears far more comfortable driving Formula 1’s latest-generation cars.
Although Schumacher acknowledged Hamilton’s improved form, he still believes age will become the decisive factor in the Briton’s long-term battle against team-mate Charles Leclerc. According to Schumacher, Hamilton will struggle to consistently match Leclerc across a full championship campaign.
“I have to honestly say that Hamilton is certainly in much better shape this year, there is no doubt about that. But over the course of an entire season, he simply does not stand a chance against Leclerc,” Schumacher said on Sky Sports Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast.
Schumacher also included Fernando Alonso in his comments and suggested that the era of veteran drivers in Formula 1 is gradually approaching its conclusion. He believes Formula 1 should begin opening more opportunities for younger talent to develop within the sport’s top teams.
“They have both had extraordinary careers in Formula 1, but I think the time has come for them to step away from the cockpit and give younger drivers an opportunity,” Schumacher added.
Despite his criticism, Schumacher still praised Hamilton’s achievements throughout his Formula 1 career. He described Hamilton as one of the most successful drivers in the history of the sport, with accomplishments that no longer require validation.
According to Schumacher, Hamilton’s improved performances this year represent an impressive resurgence, but Formula 1 will inevitably continue moving toward a new generation of drivers. In his view, Ferrari must also begin considering its long-term future once the Hamilton era eventually comes to an end.
Schumacher specifically highlighted Oliver Bearman as one of the strongest candidates for Ferrari’s future plans. He believes Bearman has the ability to become a serious challenge for Leclerc if he eventually receives an opportunity with Ferrari’s main Formula 1 team.
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