Ralf Schumacher emphasizes Lewis Hamilton’s value to Formula 1, but makes it clear that, from a sporting perspective, a younger driver should be given a chance
Is it time for Lewis Hamilton to leave Formula 1? At least expert Ralf Schumacher believes that, now 41 years old, the Briton will no longer fulfill his dream of an eighth world championship title in the premier class.
“Lewis Hamilton is definitely in a better position again this year, no question about it,” Schumacher emphasizes on Sky’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast. The record-holding world champion had finished the 2025 season without a single podium finish.
In 2026, he secured his first-ever podium for Ferrari in just the second race of the season in China, and overall, his results are better than in the second half of the 2025 season. It’s also “great” that Hamilton has made “a sort of comeback,” Schumacher emphasizes.
However, the Briton must still realize “that he probably won’t stand a chance against [Charles] Leclerc over the long term.” Accordingly, he urges Hamilton—and Fernando Alonso, who is another three and a half years older—to retire at the end of the season.
“I think they’ve had a wonderful time in Formula 1. And I think it’s time for both of them to vacate their seats at the end of the year and give young people a chance,” said the six-time Grand Prix winner.
Given his value to Formula 1, “of course you’d want to keep Lewis Hamilton—no question about it,” Schumacher also makes clear. “But I believe everything comes to an end,” says the expert, who would prefer to give the “younger generation” a chance in the coming years.
Speaking about Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman, who currently races for Haas, he says, for example: “I think he deserves the chance to drive for Ferrari.” Schumacher also believes the young Brit could be “a challenge for Charles Leclerc” on the track.
In general, he emphasizes, there are “plenty of good, young drivers coming out of Formula 2 who deserve a chance.” Despite their past achievements, there may soon be no room on the starting grid for Hamilton and Alonso.