Lewis Hamilton has been concerned in too many public controversies at Ferrari throughout the 2025 season, in keeping with Ralf Schumacher. The seven-time System 1 World Champion entered the summer season break at one of many lowest factors of his profession, struggling to search out consistency with the SF25.
On the Hungarian Grand Prix, a race the place Hamilton began and completed in a disappointing P12, he described himself as “ineffective” and even instructed that Ferrari would possibly want to think about a driver change. These feedback fueled hypothesis a few potential early retirement, although Schumacher confused that Ferrari should not ignoring Hamilton’s remarks, even when they’re regarding. At current, there seems to be little lifelike prospect of the 40-year-old leaving the staff earlier than his contract ends in 2026.
Talking to Bild, Schumacher instructed that Hamilton could also be struggling to adapt to the SF25, a automobile that seems higher suited to his long-serving Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc. From the season opener in Australia by way of to Hungary, Hamilton has discovered it troublesome to display clear progress or consistency.
Ralf Schumacher additionally expressed the view that Ferrari might have already made Charles Leclerc their primary driver. Schumacher, who was sceptical about Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari earlier than the season started whereas others had been enthusiastic, believes his doubts have been justified.
Regardless of his difficult season, Hamilton has tried to exert appreciable affect throughout the staff. He has submitted detailed suggestions paperwork proposing each mechanical modifications to the automobile and structural changes to staff operations. Nevertheless, Ralf Schumacher theorizes that Ferrari’s focus has already shifted to the Monegasque driver, who has claimed all 5 of the staff’s podium finishes up to now in 2025.
aggressive classes the place each drivers had been categorized, Leclerc holds a decisive benefit, main Hamilton 24-8 in head-to-head comparisons. Schumacher famous that Hamilton’s current struggles, mixed together with his public criticism of the staff and the automobile, haven’t helped both himself or Ferrari. He instructed that the SF25’s traits swimsuit Leclerc higher, and speculated that Lewis Hamilton may be “too outdated to adapt” to the present equipment or is just unable to deal with its dealing with. Schumacher concluded that Ferrari’s choice to prioritize Leclerc seems to have been made a very long time in the past, although he doesn’t count on Lewis Hamilton to surrender mid-season.
Whereas Leclerc has clearly been the stronger performer, Hamilton stays essentially the most embellished driver on the grid and retains the potential to rediscover his type, notably in 2026 when new rules come into play. Some inside Ferrari, nonetheless, are reportedly shedding confidence of their celebrity signing, particularly given his tendency to publicly critique his personal performances.

The Briton has tried to tackle a “shadow staff principal” function at Ferrari, aiming to information the staff’s growth and technique. If Schumacher’s evaluation is correct, the staff is prone to place better emphasis on Charles Leclerc’s suggestions and route, successfully limiting Hamilton’s affect regardless of his expertise and credentials. The approaching months will probably be essential in figuring out whether or not Lewis Hamilton can adapt to the SF25 and reassert himself throughout the staff, or if Ferrari will proceed to middle their technique round Leclerc as their undisputed lead driver.
Aug 14, 2025
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