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Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton’s strong start to the season was a false flag, and that it’s time for the driver to retire to give Oliver Bearman a shot at Ferrari.
Hamilton finished P6 at the Miami Grand Prix after his teammate, Charles Leclerc, was handed a 20-second penalty.
While it looked at the start of the season like Lewis Hamilton had adapted to Ferrari and was performing at the highest level again, the last few races have seen him drop off.
Prime Max Verstappen and prime Lewis Hamilton. Equal car, one lap. Who’s faster?
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His struggles partly came down to Ferrari not fixing Hamilton’s issues during the five-week hiatus last month.
But Ralf Schumacher sees things differently and believes that Lewis Hamilton should end his F1 career this year to give Oliver Bearman a chance at Ferrari.
READ MORE: Charles Leclerc has realised why Lewis Hamilton has been so successful after watching him at Ferrari
Ralf Schumacher believes Lewis Hamilton should walk away from Ferrari and Formula 1
Speaking on the latest episode of Backstage Boxengasse, Ralf Schumacher spoke on Lewis Hamilton’s future in Formula 1.
Despite the strong start in 2026, Hamilton’s year isn’t going well, and he should do the right thing and retire by the end of the season to make way for Oliver Bearman.
“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…
“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.”
READ MORE: Lewis Hamilton’s unheard apology to Ferrari after Franco Colapinto incident at Miami Grand Prix
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 Ferrari want to keep Lewis Hamilton for his ‘brand’
Ralf Schumacher spoke further about why Ferrari should part ways with Hamilton and give Bearman a chance, as the former’s presence in the sport has seemingly limited opportunities for younger drivers.
“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.
“I hope that the grid will be a bit younger next year. Bearman definitely deserves the chance to sit in the Ferrari.”
Bearman has said he’s ready to join Ferrari, but the team are still not ready to pivot away from the pairing of Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
Hamilton’s presence has delayed Bearman’s arrival for now. But if he can’t turn things around this season, Ferrari might have to reconsider their options.
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