Discussions about Hamilton increase as Ralf advocates for the Bearman option.

Discussions about Hamilton increase as Ralf advocates for the Bearman option.

      Ralf Schumacher has stirred controversy surrounding Ferrari by proposing that the team should think about replacing Lewis Hamilton with emerging talent Oliver Bearman. In an interview with Sky Deutschland following Ferrari president John Elkann's public remarks about the drivers, Schumacher stated that the 20-year-old Haas newcomer represents a much better long-term investment. "Ferrari has a young Bearman up its sleeve who’s performing remarkably with the Haas, and he costs significantly less than Lewis Hamilton," he mentioned, highlighting Hamilton's "high double-digit figures" salary.

      Schumacher expressed skepticism about the seven-time world champion, who will turn 41 before the 2026 season, being able to improve his form. "It feels like things have become a bit too fast for him," he remarked. "He expends too much energy to achieve a fast lap. He has to give over 100 percent to surpass Leclerc, which leads to mistakes." Hamilton's mistake-filled performance at the Brazilian GP only reinforced this perspective. "He struggles to control the car, makes errors, and faces penalties," Schumacher stated. "If I were managing, I would conclude that ‘he's not performing,’ so I’d prefer to trust a young, talented driver like Bearman."

      On Sky’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher reiterated that paying Hamilton off "would not be an unusual solution — Ferrari has done it in the past." In contrast, a spokesperson for Ferrari maintained that Elkann’s "talk less" statement was meant to be "constructive" rather than critical or antagonistic. As speculation mounts, others in the paddock have shared their opinions. Dutch commentator Olav Mol told Ziggo Sport that although Hamilton’s season has been "quite disappointing," Bearman’s progress is noteworthy. "Bearman has already scored four consecutive points with that Haas," he noted. "Action will only take place if Hamilton steps down. If Hamilton admits he can’t cope anymore, then Bearman is the perfect successor. He’s the crown prince."

      Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos indicated that Elkann’s comments reveal "serious irritation" within Maranello. "They’re paying Hamilton EUR 2.5 million every race weekend, but he isn’t delivering anything in return," he said. "They genuinely need a miracle." Christian Danner added to Motorsport-Magazin that Hamilton’s overall focus seems to have shifted. "There’s just too much going on right now," he observed. "He doesn’t appear as concentrated on the events happening on the track anymore." Danner also questioned whether Hamilton can influence Ferrari as he once hoped. "I don’t believe Hamilton can change Ferrari in the way he envisioned," he said. "He’s not a team architect. While he can motivate the team, he doesn’t shape it."

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Discussions about Hamilton increase as Ralf advocates for the Bearman option.

Formula 1 | Ralf Schumacher has sparked controversy regarding Ferrari by proposing that the team think about swapping Lewis Hamilton for emerging talent Oliver (…)