Schumacher: Hamilton ‘unable to change’ – Ferrari future doomed

Lewis Hamilton’s first year in red is ending with more questions than answers – and Ralf Schumacher believes those questions point in a deeply worrying direction for the seven-time world champion.

With the season finale looming in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton finds himself locked in a scrap with Andrea Kimi Antonelli for sixth in the standings – a far cry from the championship-chasing ambitions Ferrari hoped he would reignite.

And according to Schumacher, the evidence is mounting that the 40-year-old veteran simply isn’t adapting to life at Maranello or to its challenging machine.

Stagnation, Not Progress

Speaking on the Backstage Boxengasse Podcast, Schumacher didn’t hold back. For the former Grand Prix driver, Hamilton’s season peaked in March with his Sprint race win in China – an isolated highlight rather than a springboard.

“So, from my point of view, Lewis Hamilton joined the team with big goals to bring Ferrari back to the front.

“I pointed this out right from the start and said, OK, that could be difficult without testing. But the bigger problem is that they haven’t moved forward, that nothing has changed.

“Lewis hasn’t really been able to help the team either, which is a big problem, and it seems that this is still the case.”

Schumacher argues the core issue isn’t necessarily the machinery, but Hamilton’s inability to mold himself to it – something he believes signals an irreversible decline.

“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. And that, of course, is a danger in itself.

“If I were Ferrari team boss today, I would know full well that next year there will be completely new rules and he would have to completely change his style again.

“So, in my opinion, this year has shown that it would be better for Lewis Hamilton to take on a different role.”

Schumacher Pushes for Bearman

If Schumacher were running Ferrari, he already knows who he would put in the seat alongside Charles Leclerc – and it’s not Hamilton.

“In my view, Oliver Bearman deserves it; he’s doing a great job at Haas. That’s the future,” Schumacher said, pointing to the 19-year-old’s impressive rookie campaign as proof Ferrari should invest in fresh potential rather than experience.

“Ferrari still has a year or two ahead of them where they need to do something, where they need to build something, at least I think so.

“And accordingly, investing in the future with Oliver Bearman makes more sense than investing in the past with Lewis Hamilton.

“I’m sorry to say this, but when I compare the results, Carlos Sainz did exactly the opposite, went to Williams, also had his teething problems and was on the podium, and that’s how it should have been with Lewis Hamilton.”

• Read also: Hamilton delivers massive fix-it list to Ferrari, but will they act?

Ferrari would certainly be at odds with Schumacher’s blunt assessment – at least not publicly – but Hamilton’s season has undeniably fallen short of expectations.

With sweeping new regulations arriving next year, the Scuderia faces a critical decision: double down on Hamilton’s pedigree or pivot toward a driver lineup built for the long term.

Schumacher’s verdict is loud and clear. The question now is whether Ferrari – and Hamilton – agree, and they most likely don’t.

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