Ralf Schumacher – brother of Components One legend Michael – has levied fresh criticism at Lewis Hamilton ahead of the seven-time world champion’s begin at Ferrari this season.
Little over a yr in the past, the British driver shocked the racing world with information of his bombshell move to Ferrari in 2025.
The choice, impressed by Hamilton’s childhood ardour for the Prancing Horse, known as time on an unimaginable 12-year stint at Mercedes, the place the driving force had gained the lion’s share of his world championships.
However ahead of the move, Hamilton needed to endure a clumsy season underneath long-term crew principal Toto Wolff, in opposition to the backdrop of an imperfect automobile.
Though Hamilton claimed the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, the veteran was additionally outperformed in qualifying by his youthful associate George Russell at each grand prix in 2024.
Hamilton will arrive in Italy searching for a fresh begin and a return to the highest of the rostrum with the hope of making historical past with a sensational eighth world title.
Lewis Hamilton got here in for brand spanking new criticism from Ralf Schumacher as he prepares to start out at Ferrari subsequent season
The brother of famous person Michael was vital of Hamilton’s skill to refine the proper automobile
However Schumacher was sceptical of the driving force’s skill to outstrip the achievements of his embellished brother, as he identified an space the place he believes Hamilton is extra flawed than the gifted German.
‘The largest distinction is that Michael, amongst many different qualities, was in a position to develop a automobile completely for his driving model along with the engineers,’ Schumacher informed Sport1.de, through GB Information. ‘Lewis cannot try this.’
Schumacher confused that underneath Wolff, Hamilton had been targeted on following the maxim of: ‘a driver ought to step on the fuel and engineers ought to develop.’
However in accordance with his brother, Michael’s extra lively function meant that he ‘at all times gave his confidants like Ross Brawn or Jean Todt the route’.
Hamilton grew more and more sad together with his W15 because the season rolled on, his frustrations hitting fever pitch in Brazil in November.
The motive force appeared to threaten to stop the season altogether after a ‘catastrophe of a weekend’ the place the automobile had been ‘the worst it has even been’ in an incedeniary message broadcast over crew radio.
Schumacher additionally questioned how Hamilton would adapt to dropping out on prime place at his new constructor when he joins established new team-mate Charles Leclerc.
‘That makes issues much more troublesome for Lewis: as a result of Charles Leclerc is the highest canine,’ he added.
Schumacher confused that his brother (left) would at all times give route to confidents reminiscent of Ferrari boss Jean Todt (proper)
Schumacher additionally drew consideration to the function of Hamilton’s new and established team-mate Charles Leclerc
‘Everybody within the crew is aware of him. For Lewis, every little thing is new at Ferrari.
‘Michael got here to Ferrari as the present world champion and was a lot youthful. That is not the case with Lewis.’
Schumacher doubled down on his feedback in an interview with Sky Germany, providing a warning to his new constructor that issues must be excellent at Maranello for the Briton to succeed.
‘Hamilton is definitely distinctive, but in addition wants a bit of the proper surroundings and automobile, similar to Sebastian Vettel,’ Schumacher conceded.
The 39-year-old bade his closing goodbye to Mercedes in mid-December with an emotional go to to their headquarters.
Hamilton made a speech thanking the workers for his or her help throughout his star-studded stint with the crew, and remarking on the ‘journey’ that they had come on collectively.
The pundit in contrast Hamilton as a substitute to Sebastian Vettel who in his view wanted perfect situations to carry out at his peak
‘Anybody could be fortunate to be working with you,’ Hamilton mentioned. ‘I hope that once I do ultimately cease racing, I can come again and go to you all, and I do know we will at all times look again on these fond recollections, what a journey.
‘There is no such thing as a driver on the earth that has had this expertise with the crew, and it makes it that a lot more durable to let go. However I’m taking with me the best recollections. You guys have been dwelling in my dream, and hopefully I’ve been dwelling partly in your goals too.
‘So an enormous, big thanks from the underside of my coronary heart and, additionally my household thanks you for all of the dedication all these years, so a giant thanks everybody and God Bless you.’
Lewis HamiltonRalf Schumacher
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