Mar.14 (GMM) One other System 1 character thinks Lewis Hamilton might wrestle to maintain up with Charles Leclerc at Ferrari subsequent yr.
Already this week, former Renault boss Flavio Briatore informed Italian broadcaster Rai 1 that if Hamilton was already at Maranello, “he would do the identical issues as Leclerc”.
“In the long run he may wrestle to remain forward of Charles as a result of he’s a type of drivers who doesn’t put a lot effort into it if the automotive isn’t good,” the Italian added.
Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, agrees with that evaluation.
“Hamilton has to really feel like he can win to have the ability to drive quick,” the German informed formel1.de. “So the query is – will he sustain with the instances as the brand new guidelines are available (in 2026)?
“As a result of with new guidelines, the driving type additionally adjustments and he might have problem with that,” Schumacher stated of the seven time world champion, who will likely be 40 when he pulls on crimson overalls for the primary time.
Ralf even doubts whether or not Hamilton’s huge expertise can profit Ferrari.
“He will definitely carry his experience and insights,” stated the 6-time grand prix winner. “However I believe Ferrari is already nicely on its method.
“Hamilton received’t have the ability to contribute an excessive amount of.”
Nonetheless, he stops in need of saying Frederic Vasseur has been unwise to enroll Hamilton.
“I’m certain Vasseur wouldn’t pay that a lot cash for nothing,” stated Schumacher. “He’ll provide and provides Hamilton all the things to make sure he can carry out.
“However I’m curious to see who will cleared the path,” he added, referring to Hamilton versus Ferrari’s 26-year-old incumbent, Leclerc. “It will likely be a problem for the staff to provide the 2 very completely different drivers what they want.”
Schumacher thinks the Hamilton-Leclerc pairing may even be unsettling for Ferrari.
“Hamilton will instantly attempt to outdo Leclerc,” he predicts. “He may also attempt to get the engineers and the event route of the automotive to go his method.”
Schumacher admits that if he was a staff boss and had a selection between Hamilton and triple world champion Max Verstappen, the choice could be simple.
“Hamilton is in fact a seven-time world champion and a incredible driver,” he stated. “However I don’t assume he has the qualities that Verstappen has. I don’t assume he’s as constant as Verstappen.
“And he can’t get that additional tenth out at any value. You’ll be able to discover that clearly whenever you take a look at their teammates. However that doesn’t imply Ferrari can’t obtain quite a bit with Hamilton.
“I believe Ferrari is already superb and I believe they are going to be subsequent yr, too.”
