Ralf Schumacher – brother of Formula One legend Michael – has levied fresh criticism at Lewis Hamilton ahead of the seven-time world champion’s start at Ferrari this season.
Little over a year ago, the British driver shocked the racing world with news of his bombshell move to Ferrari in 2025.
The decision, inspired by Hamilton’s childhood passion for the Prancing Horse, called time on an incredible 12-year stint at Mercedes, where the driver had won the lion’s share of his world championships.
But ahead of the move, Hamilton had to endure an awkward season under long-term team principal Toto Wolff, against the backdrop of an imperfect car.
Although Hamilton claimed the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the veteran was also outperformed in qualifying by his younger partner George Russell at every grand prix in 2024.
Hamilton will arrive in Italy seeking a fresh start and a return to the top of the podium with the hope of making history with a sensational eighth world title.
Lewis Hamilton came in for new criticism from Ralf Schumacher as he prepares to start at Ferrari next season
The brother of superstar Michael was critical of Hamilton’s ability to refine the perfect car
But Schumacher was sceptical of the driver’s ability to outstrip the achievements of his decorated brother, as he pointed out an area where he believes Hamilton is more flawed than the talented German.
‘The biggest difference is that Michael, among many other qualities, was able to develop a car perfectly for his driving style together with the engineers,’ Schumacher told Sport1.de, via GB News. ‘Lewis can’t do that.’
Schumacher stressed that under Wolff, Hamilton had been focused on following the maxim of: ‘a driver should step on the gas and engineers should develop.’
But according to his brother, Michael’s more active role meant that he ‘always gave his confidants like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt the direction’.
Hamilton grew increasingly unhappy with his W15 as the season rolled on, his frustrations hitting fever pitch in Brazil in November.
The driver appeared to threaten to quit the season altogether after a ‘disaster of a weekend’ where the car had been ‘the worst it has even been’ in an incedeniary message broadcast over team radio.
Schumacher also questioned how Hamilton would adapt to losing out on top position at his new constructor when he joins established new team-mate Charles Leclerc.
‘That makes things even more difficult for Lewis: because Charles Leclerc is the top dog,’ he added.
Schumacher stressed that his brother (left) would always give direction to confidents such as Ferrari boss Jean Todt (right)
Schumacher also drew attention to the role of Hamilton’s new and established team-mate Charles Leclerc
‘Everyone in the team knows him. For Lewis, everything is new at Ferrari.
‘Michael came to Ferrari as the current world champion and was much younger. That’s not the case with Lewis.’
Schumacher doubled down on his comments in an interview with Sky Germany, offering a warning to his new constructor that things would have to be just right at Maranello for the Briton to succeed.
‘Hamilton is certainly exceptional, but also needs a bit of the perfect environment and car, just like Sebastian Vettel,’ Schumacher conceded.
The 39-year-old bade his final goodbye to Mercedes in mid-December with an emotional visit to their headquarters.
Hamilton made a speech thanking the employees for their support during his star-studded stint with the team, and remarking on the ‘journey’ they had come on together.
The pundit compared Hamilton instead to Sebastian Vettel who in his view needed ideal conditions to perform at his peak
‘Anyone would be lucky to be working with you,’ Hamilton said. ‘I hope that when I do eventually stop racing, I can come back and visit you all, and I know we can always look back on these fond memories, what a journey.
‘There is no driver in the world that has had this experience with the team, and it makes it that much harder to let go. But I am taking with me the greatest memories. You guys have been living in my dream, and hopefully I have been living partly in your dreams too.
‘So a huge, huge thank you from the bottom of my heart and, also my family thanks you for all the dedication all these years, so a big thank you everyone and God Bless you.’
