Lewis Hamilton’s challenging debut year with Ferrari has attracted significant criticism, particularly regarding his ability to adapt to the team and the car. Despite joining the Italian squad in early 2024, Hamilton has yet to secure a podium finish after 14 races, prompting both internal and public scrutiny. Former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher recently criticized Hamilton’s approach and behavior, blaming the seven-time world champion for exacerbating Ferrari’s struggles amid ongoing performance issues.
Throughout this turbulent season, Hamilton has openly shared his frustrations about Ferrari’s pace and reliability problems. His visible disappointment at the Hungarian Grand Prix marked a low point, yet he remains determined to rebuild his standing at Maranello with hopes of contesting for victories as soon as 2026. However, Schumacher has condemned Hamilton’s conduct, accusing the driver of contributing to a tense atmosphere within the team.
Ralf Schumacher Points to Hamilton’s Age and Adaptation Challenges at Ferrari
At almost 41 years old, Lewis Hamilton is pursuing his goal of claiming an eighth drivers’ championship with Ferrari, but his current form indicates a difficult path ahead. Schumacher believes Hamilton’s struggles partly stem from his inability to adjust effectively to Ferrari’s SF-25 car, which favors Charles Leclerc’s driving style. Leclerc holds a clear advantage in the intra-team standings, leading Hamilton by 42 points, highlighting a significant performance gap.
Ralf Schumacher suggested that Hamilton might be too old to fully adapt to the demands of modern Formula 1 cars or simply unable to manage the technical challenges posed by the current machinery. He also implied that Ferrari’s management had already committed to prioritizing Leclerc’s development as the team’s primary driver heading forward.
The car is suitable for Leclerc, not for him. Maybe he’s too old to fit in, or he just can’t handle it. I think the decision for Leclerc was made a long time ago.
—Ralf Schumacher
Criticism of Hamilton’s Impact on Team Morale and Dynamics
Ralf Schumacher did not hold back when discussing Hamilton’s criticism of Ferrari. He labeled his attitude as “theatrics” and accused him of cornering the team through intense internal scrutiny. Hamilton reportedly provided the team with technical feedback and documents from his factory visits, yet Schumacher felt that his vocal complaints and confrontations with the car created unnecessary tension. These actions, according to Schumacher, undermined team cohesion and morale during a period when unity was crucial.
I had said before the start of the season that things could have gone wrong. At the moment, I see a lot of theatricality on his part. He has cornered the team, criticized it internally, he is in conflict with the machine: this does not help anyone.
—Ralf Schumacher, speaking to Bild
This internal conflict is a significant concern for Ferrari as they try to maintain their position in a highly competitive constructors’ championship. While currently holding second place, Ferrari faces pressure from rivals like McLaren, who are closing the gap and could overhaul them in the standings if Ferrari fails to improve.
Ferrari’s Ongoing Challenges and What Lies Ahead for Hamilton
The SF-25’s issues persist, and Ferrari must address various technical and strategic shortcomings to remain competitive against teams like Red Bull and McLaren. Hamilton’s performance slump, combined with Leclerc’s relative success, further complicates the team’s dynamics and decision-making. As Hamilton works to overcome these challenges, his future at Ferrari depends on whether he can regain form and contribute positively to the team’s development.
The 2024 season, therefore, serves as a critical test for Hamilton’s adaptability and resilience in a new environment. His determination to rebuild at Ferrari by 2026 signals a long-term commitment, but the team must balance supporting their two drivers while enhancing the car’s competitiveness to achieve success.