Lewis Hamilton blasts turbulent year with Mercedes as he moves to Ferrari
- Ralf Schumacher, a former F1 driver, doubts Lewis Hamilton's ability to develop cars for his driving style.
- Hamilton is preparing to join Ferrari in 2025, where he will partner with Charles Leclerc.
- The criticism raises questions about Hamilton's potential success with Ferrari given his past struggles in car development.
In an interview published prior to Lewis Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari, former Formula 1 driver Ralf Schumacher offered a critical assessment of Hamilton’s skills. He argued that Hamilton struggles to effectively collaborate with engineers to develop a car tailored to his preferences, which could hinder his performance with the famed Italian team. Schumacher compared Hamilton unfavorably to his brother, Michael Schumacher, who successfully adapted his cars over his illustrious career. As Hamilton prepares to join Ferrari alongside Charles Leclerc in 2025, he faces challenges in establishing himself within the team and adapting to their dynamics, a task complicated by Leclerc's entrenched status. The criticism also highlighted Hamilton's difficulty in providing input for technical developments, which was a significant aspect of Michael Schumacher's success. Ralf expressed skepticism regarding the notion that Hamilton's previous relationship with Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur will facilitate his transition. He pointedly remarked that team principals have limited influence over car design, meaning Hamilton will have to adjust rather than mold the vehicle to suit himself. As the new season approaches, Hamilton's ability to adapt could make the difference in his quest to secure an eighth world title, particularly since he arrives at a team that hasn’t produced a champion since 2007. Meanwhile, Hamilton's record salary at Ferrari, rumored to be close to £50 million per year, adds pressure to his performance expectations as he attempts to reignite his career while competing against an increasingly competitive field. Finally, as Ferrari and Hamilton part ways with their recent histories of successes and struggles, all eyes will turn to how Hamilton adjusts to his new environment at a legendary team with a storied past and the potential to return to podium finishes. The significant investment in Hamilton's contract indicates Ferrari’s ambitious desire to reclaim its dominance in Formula 1, adding another layer of intrigue as the season approaches.