Ralf Schumacher claims Lewis Hamilton is not fast enough for Ferrari

Lewis Hamilton sits 12 points ahead of Charles Leclerc in the Drivers’ Championship, yet the Monegasque has beaten his teammate in eight of the last 12 races. This statistical split fuels a heated debate over who truly leads the Ferrari lineup as the season enters its final three rounds. Ralf Schumacher delivered a brutal assessment to Sky Sports Germany, arguing that Hamilton is simply not fast enough compared to Leclerc. The former driver stated, "He is the one causing it," pointing to the lack of clear performance dominance. Max Verstappen also questioned the team’s policy of maintaining two number one drivers, noting the tension following their on-track clash at the Mexican Grand Prix.

Clear dynamics and internal friction

Former Ferrari engineer Jock Clear insists the current dynamic is exactly what Maranello wanted from Hamilton’s arrival. He believes the re-emergence of Hamilton will force Leclerc to redouble his efforts and keep improving. Clear noted that Hamilton is much more comfortable with the feedback he gets from the car this year. However, the relationship faced a severe test during the race in Mexico, where Leclerc was penalized for leaving the track and gaining a lasting advantage. Hamilton subsequently accused Leclerc of racing his teammates more aggressively than other drivers, prompting internal discussions before the Brazilian Grand Prix. Team principal Fred Vasseur confirmed that the pair resolved their issues during a private sit-down discussion. "We cleared the situation," Vasseur explained, adding that they left his room joking together. The chaotic rain-soaked race at Interlagos passed without radio arguments or disputes over position swapping. While the harmony remains unproven for the rest of the season, Vasseur expressed relief that the mindset reset worked effectively.

Leadership questions and performance gaps

Schumacher argues that Hamilton never learned how to lead a team, whether under Toto Wolff or Ron Dennis. "That was never his job anyway," Schumacher said, claiming it made him quite egotistical. He compared Hamilton’s situation to his brother Michael, whose performances at Ferrari left little room for debate over his position within the team. Schumacher advised Hamilton to always ensure he is ahead, suggesting he be a second or half a second faster than Leclerc in every race. The German also raised broader doubts about the competitive level of both drivers by comparing them to George Russell and Kimi Antonelli. With Antonelli having already secured the championship, Schumacher wondered how good Hamilton really is anymore. He further questioned if Leclerc is still world championship material given the recent results. Hamilton currently holds fourth place with 261 points, just one point behind Russell, while Leclerc occupies fifth with 251 points. This narrow gap underscores the intense pressure on both drivers to deliver consistent podium finishes. The team’s financial valuation has exploded, with Ferrari leading the $50 billion rankings, but on-track consistency remains the primary metric for success. As the grid expands with Cadillac’s arrival, the focus stays firmly on whether Ferrari can convert their strong start into tangible silverware before the season ends.