Lewis Hamilton has been told to end his Formula One career, with former driver Ralf Schumacher arguing the seven-time champion should step aside to make way for younger talent. The 41-year-old, now in his second season with Ferrari, sits fifth in the Drivers' Championship, level with reigning champion Lando Norris.
Speaking to Sky Germany's Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Schumacher 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.'
Hamilton's former Mercedes team-mate George Russell has also come under scrutiny after a strong start to the season faded. 1996 world champion Damon Hill remarked: 'The George from last year, I think he's gone missing a little bit.' Russell trails team-mate Kimi Antonelli by 20 points after three consecutive wins for the Italian.
Hamilton has a contract in place for 2027 should he wish to mark 20 years in F1, but Schumacher believes Ferrari academy driver Oliver Bearman is ready to replace him. '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,' Schumacher added.
