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F1 fans unanimously agree with Ralf Schumacher that it is “time” for Lewis Hamilton to retire, after the German called for Ferrari to replace the Briton with Oliver Bearman.
Schumacher is adamant that it is now time for the old guard to walk away and give the next generation a chance to shine at the front of the field. He believes 41-year-old Hamilton and 44-year-old Fernando Alonso have had “wonderful” careers, yet the pair need to walk away.
Alonso first graced the grid back in 2001, and the Spaniard has only not featured in the field for the 2002, 2019 and 2020 seasons since. Hamilton, meanwhile, earned his debut in 2007, and he has been a permanent presence in the paddock since McLaren gave him his chance.
Their desire to retire to the top of the F1 drivers’ championship fuels Alonso and Hamilton’s yearning to continue racing in the pinnacle of motorsport. Alonso won his titles in 2005 and 2006, while Hamilton lifted his seventh title in 2020 and was controversially denied in 2021.
Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso should retire at the end of 2026. Do you think he is being fair?
Ralf Schumacher believes Oliver Bearman has to replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari in 2027
Yet no matter why they continue to race, Schumacher feels it is time for Bearman to replace Hamilton at Ferrari and for Alonso to also retire at the end of this season. Alonso is currently due to be out of contract with Aston Martin at the end of 2026, but is not keen to retire yet.
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s seven best Mercedes drives before joining Ferrari in 2025
Schumacher declared on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse: “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.
“Lewis Hamilton has achieved everything he possibly can. He is one of the most successful drivers ever, if not the most successful as the English would say. He deserves it. He’s done for the year. This comeback was great, but I believe everything has an end.
“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.”
Bearman is Hamilton’s heir apparent at Ferrari, as the Scuderia have long seen the 20-year-old as their future and loaned him to Haas for 2025 and 2026 to gain experience in F1. But Hamilton has an option to extend his Ferrari contract into 2027, which may block Bearman.
F1 fans unanimously agree with Ralf Schumacher that it is ‘time’ for Lewis Hamilton to retire
Schumacher’s suggestion that Hamilton should retire from F1 at the end of the 2026 season has sparked a lot of reaction online, with throngs of fans on the F1 Oversteer Facebook page agreeing with his view. Many feel Schumacher is right to say it is time for Hamilton to retire.
READ MORE: Everything you need to know about Oliver Bearman from F1 stats to net worth
When will Oliver Bearman replace Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari?
Or do you think the move won't happen at all?
One F1 fan commented, “Exactly! Thank you,” while another suggested, “I think so. He’s too old.” An F1 fan also claimed, “Yes, it’s about time we got rid of Lewis,” while one said: “Yes! It’s Lewis and Alonso’s time to go, and let the younger ones shine.”
An F1 fan even suggested that Alonso could leave Aston Martin and retire during the 2026 season, before Bearman takes over from Hamilton at Ferrari. They said: “I can’t see Alonso seeing the year out, and it’s only a matter of time before Bearman replaces Hamilton.”
Another F1 fan also said: “He isn’t wrong. Time for the old-timers to make space for the new generation.” And one fan claimed: “100%! Lewis has had his time. It is time to move over.”
One F1 fan even questions why Hamilton is still on the grid and has not retired already. They claimed: “Given the lack of sporting results at Ferrari, it’s hard to disagree with Schumacher. What does Hamilton still hope to get from his stint with Ferrari? For the last 20 years, Ferrari have hired champions to then give them a disappointing car.”
Like Schumacher, some F1 fans also think Bearman is the natural replacement for Hamilton at Ferrari. One fan noted: “Oliver needs to be in the 2027 Ferrari with Charles Leclerc! As a Ferrari fan, it’s a clear must!”
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