Lewis Hamilton has been told to put an end to his Formula One career despite an improvement in his second season with Ferrari. The seven-time world champion sits fifth in the Drivers' Championship standings, level with reigning champion Lando Norris.
Hamilton's 2026 Season
Having captured his maiden podium with the Italian team at the Chinese Grand Prix, the 41-year-old has since finished sixth in the two Grands Prix in Japan and Miami. However, his performances have not convinced ex-F1 star Ralf Schumacher that he should continue racing.
Hamilton's former teammate George Russell has also come under scrutiny after Kimi Antonelli's recent dominance, with 1996 world champion Damon Hill accusing the Mercedes star of "going missing" after a promising start to the season.
Schumacher's Verdict
It is understood that Hamilton has a contract in place for 2027 should he want to mark 20 years in F1. However, such a milestone will not be reached if Ralf Schumacher had his way. The ex-racing star argued the Brit should end his career to allow for the progression of young talent.
Speaking to Sky Germany's Backstage Boxengasse podcast, the six-time Grand Prix winner said: "Hamilton is in a better position again this year but, over the course of the season, he won't stand a chance against Leclerc. It's time – and I have to say the same about Fernando Alonso. Hamilton and Alonso have had a wonderful time in Formula 1. But now it's time for both of them to step out of their cockpits at the end of the year and give young people a chance."
In the event of Hamilton's departure, it is likely Oliver Bearman would get the call to team up alongside Leclerc. The Haas driver has been signed to Ferrari's driver academy since his teenage years, and Schumacher reckons the 21-year-old is ready for the step up. The German added: "If he gets the chance, he'll even pose a challenge to Charles Leclerc. I'm pretty sure of that – I'd say he's actually better."
Russell's Struggles
Going into the 2026 season, Russell was seen as the overwhelming favourite after an immensely strong 2025 campaign. However, that status has quickly shifted across the Silver Arrows to teammate Kimi Antonelli. After the 28-year-old captured victory at the Australian Grand Prix, he has struggled to keep up with the Italian, who has rattled off three wins in a row to open up a 20-point lead over him.
Having missed out on a podium in Japan and Miami, albeit suffering mechanical issues in the former, it led Damon Hill to question where the form of Russell from last year has gone. The 65-year-old said: "The George from last year, I think he's gone missing a little bit." Russell will look to regain momentum in Canada next week, having won last year's race in Montreal.
