Ralf Schumacher Urges Hamilton to Retire for Bearman at Ferrari
Ralf Schumacher has pushed Lewis Hamilton to leave Formula 1 at the end of the year and make way for bearman at Ferrari. The former driver said Hamilton’s recent form, including a sixth-place finish in Miami, points toward a changing lineup rather than a long stay.
Schumacher’s Ferrari call
Schumacher made the argument during a recent appearance on Backstage Boxengasse. He said Hamilton probably would not have a chance against Charles Leclerc in the long run, then widened the point to include Fernando Alonso and a younger generation waiting for seats.
“Lewis Hamilton is obviously in a better position this year. But he probably won’t have a chance against Leclerc in the long run. That’s how it is. Since you mentioned Bearman, it’s about time…”
He followed that with a direct push for change at season’s end: “Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But I think it’s time for them to leave the cockpit at the end of the year and give young people a chance.”
Bearman and Leclerc
Schumacher named Bearman as the driver who should get the opening at Ferrari. He said the younger driver deserves the chance to sit in the car and added that Bearman could compete with Leclerc if given the opportunity.
“That’s why I’m saying now that I think it’s time to let the younger generation have a go. Oliver Bearman deserves the chance to sit in the Ferrari. I also believe that if he gets the chance, he can compete with Charles Leclerc. It wouldn’t be easy for Leclerc.”
Ferrari still has Hamilton paired with Leclerc, and Schumacher said the team wants to keep the Lewis Hamilton brand. That leaves the current setup intact for now, even as the discussion around the lineup grows louder.
Hamilton’s recent slide
Hamilton’s start at Ferrari looked encouraging before his performances dipped in recent races. Schumacher also suggested that some of those struggles came from Ferrari not addressing Hamilton’s concerns during last month’s five-week break.
The Miami Grand Prix added another data point. Hamilton came home sixth, while Leclerc received a 20-second penalty after the race. Schumacher said Hamilton’s early-season form may have been misleading, and his wider point was that Ferrari has a growing pool of young Formula 2 drivers who deserve a shot.
“They want to keep the brand of Lewis Hamilton. There are a lot of good young drivers coming from Formula 2 who deserve a chance.”
Bearman has already said he is ready to join Ferrari. Schumacher’s message leaves the pressure on the current lineup and puts the next opening squarely on the younger driver’s side of the garage.
