Ralf Schumacher explains why Fernando Alonso has a better chance of 2026 title win than Lewis Hamilton

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Formula 1 veterans Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton will be desperately hoping to improve in 2026 as the regulation changes come into effect.

The F1 champions have both been frustrated at their respective teams in 2025 as they struggle to extract performance.

Hamilton says he’s had his ‘worst season’ at Ferrari this season as his woes in the ground-effect era have continued from Mercedes. The 40-year-old has not adapted to the team’s car or operation and is without a podium in a calendar year for the first time in his career.

Alonso has fared no better at Aston Martin in 2025. He is still searching for the same performance as in 2023, with the 44-year-old scoring 48 points this season.

The 2026 F1 regulations present a fresh start for Alonso and Hamilton, with Aston Martin and Ferrari determined to make strides forward with the new machines. The former have made by far the most changes for next season, and have set up an exciting project.

Adrian Newey will become team principal in 2026, while Honda will supply Aston Martin’s engines. The Silverstone outfit seemingly have what they need to be competitive, and they could put Alonso in a position to claim his third title.

Ralf Schumacher backs Fernando Alonso for the 2026 title over Lewis Hamilton if Adrian Newey can build him a car

Much has been made of Hamilton’s struggles at Ferrari in 2025, with many casting doubt on whether he will ever be competitive again in F1. He could be on course to match his worst-ever finish if Kimi Antonelli, the driver who replaced him at Mercedes, beats him in Abu Dhabi.

Ralf Schumacher thinks Hamilton’s ‘driving style’ will deny him another title, but he holds a different opinion about Alonso. Speaking to Formel1.de, the former driver thinks that the Spaniard has ’10 times over’ what Hamilton has and thinks he could be champion with the right car.

“Of course, people immediately start saying, he’s too old now. I think, if Adrian builds him the car, he can still become world champion, because he has an incredible overview,” said Schumacher.

“So what Lewis no longer has, Fernando Alonso has ten times over. In every situation, he emerges victorious from the battle. He doesn’t make any mistakes.

“So, you can tell that he’s still driving the car and not the car driving him. And as long as that’s the case, I think he can do it. And I would be happy for him, because it’s definitely just like Max Verstappen, an exception in Formula 1.”

Could Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso leave Formula 1 in 2026?

Alonso loved Newey’s motivational speech to Aston Martin staff in Qatar. It is exactly the confidence boost he and the team need heading into 2026.

His former McLaren teammate desperately needs the same lift from Ferrari, especially amid rumours that he could walk away from F1 at the end of 2025. However, David Croft claims Hamilton will be ‘energised’ in 2026 after speaking to his camp.

The 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be Lewis Hamilton’s final F1 race – discuss.

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But the feeling is the same about both drivers; Alonso and Hamilton could retire in 2026. Their contracts run out at the end of the season, meaning that the new regulations cycle could be their last chance to win another championship.

Alonso has been secretive about his retirement plans, hinting that he wants to leave F1 on a high note. Aston Martin have the tools to provide him with a competitive car, but whether it all comes together in 2026 lies in the hands of Newey and the two-time champion.